(Memphis) It was a tough day at FedEx Friday as many longtime employees worked their last day after taking advantage of the shipping-giant’s voluntary buyout plan.

This is the first wave of workers leaving in the Memphis-based company’s plan to reduce costs.

FedEx officials could not say how many people accepted the buyouts but did issue this statement:

“The FedEx team members who are taking advantage of the Voluntary Buyout Program have made valuable contributions to our success. We wish them the best for the future.”