Motorola semiconductor unit to trim staff by 900.

The announcement, made in Phoenix, specified that the company’s Semiconductor Products Sector would reduce its employment rolls in the Phoenix area by up to 900 in the next three weeks and would reduce salaries temporarily throughout the company, a spokesman said. The cost-reduction measures were implemented in response to a market downturn, said Ken Phillips, a Motorola spokesman. Phillips said the company expects from 400 to 500 employees to accept early retirement offers. Another 300 to 400 will be laid off, furloughed or transferred, he said.