Democrat and Chronicle staff and wire reports

(Sunday, February 3, 2002) -- The increase in local unemployment in 2001 apparently can't be pinned on downsizing at Kodak.

The company finished last year with 23,700 employees in the Monroe County area, down just 200 from yearend 2000.

The slight decline was a bit surprising because Kodak has announced plans to eliminate more than 7,000 jobs worldwide. The apparent reason for the gentle fall: The company had given notice to only 2,700 people by the time Dec. 31 rolled around.

The company's U.S. work force was 42,000 at yearend 2001, down 1,200; its worldwide employment was 75,100, down 3,300.