The home appliance maker said that it would cut about 5,000 jobs by the end of 2009 because of the global credit crisis and its expectation for continued reduced demand in North America and Europe.

Whirlpool said profit in the quarter was $117 million, or $1.53 a share, compared with $161 million, or $2 a share, in the period a year ago.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Household appliance maker Whirlpool Corp. said Wednesday its profit fell 27 percent in the second quarter because of higher material and oil-related costs, and lower U.S. demand.

Should employers have the right to punish workers who smoke when they are not smoking?

ATLANTA (Reuters) — Whirlpool, the appliance maker, posted much lower-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday as sales declined in the United States and oil and steel costs soared.