Chicago's Adler Planetarium eliminated 15 full-time workers, including two astronomers.
The layoffs this week amount to 8% of the planetarium's work force. Adler President Michelle Larson says the layoffs are an effort to optimize staffing.
The Adler Planetarium also eliminated about 8% of its staff in 2013. Officials with the planetarium say it employs about 200 people after this week’s layoffs.
Marc Lapides is vice president of business and market development at the planetarium. He says revenues and attendance are strong. However he says the planetarium has pension liabilities and significant construction debt.
