RealNetworks announced today to lay off 130 employees or about 7.5 percents of its workforce “to bring expenses in line with current and prospective economic realities“, cited Bill Hankes, VP, Corporate Communications, from the company blog.

In addition, the Seattle-based company is cutting 30 contractor positions and consultants.

“Telling someone that you’re eliminating their position is among the most difficult conversations a manager can have,” Bill Hankes says on the blog post.

The company allows departing employees to “conduct job searches for other positions at Real or elsewhere from their offices here, or, if they prefer, from home.” They will be paid through the end of this month and receive cash severance package based on their length of service including outplacement services and six months of COBRA healthcare coverage.

“I know many of the people who are leaving.  They are sharp, hard working and dedicated.  It is hard to say goodbye, but I am confident they will land well,” Bill says the last words.

This is another news about layoffs — never a good news — but at least we can hear some compassion from the employers.