(2) RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

The following table presents a summary of the restructuring charges included in Operating Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:


	For the years ended December 31,
(in millions)	2018 (1)		2017		2016 (2)
Reduction in workforce	$	23	$	–	$	73
Fayetteville Shale sale-related		16		–		–
Total restructuring charges	$	39	$	–	$	73

(1)

Does not include a $4 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2018 related to curtailment of the other postretirement benefit plan presented in other income (loss), net on the consolidated statements of operations.

(2)

Does not include a $5 million net loss for the year ended December 31, 2016 related to the curtailment and settlement of the pension and other postretirement benefit plans presented in other income (loss), net on the consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents a summary of liabilities associated with the Company’s restructuring activities at December 31, 2018, which are reflected in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheet:


(in millions)
Liability at December 31, 2017	$	–
Additions		39
Distributions		34
Liability at December 31, 2018	$	5

Reduction in Workforce

In June 2018, the Company notified affected employees of a workforce reduction plan, which resulted primarily from a previously announced study of structural, process and organizational changes to enhance shareholder value and continues with respect to other aspects of the Company’s business activities. Affected employees were offered a severance package, which included a one-time cash payment depending on length of service and, if applicable, the current value of a portion of equity awards that were forfeited. Although the plan was substantially implemented by the end of 2018, certain employees were retained into 2019. As of December 31, 2018, a liability of $1 million for severance payments has been accrued related to the reduction in workforce.

In January 2016, the Company announced a 40% workforce reduction as a result of lower anticipated drilling activity. This reduction was substantially completed in the first quarter of 2016. In April 2016, the Company also partially restructured executive management, which was substantially completed in the second quarter of 2016. Severance payments and other separation costs related to restructuring were substantially completed by the end of 2016.

The following table presents a summary of the restructuring charges related to workforce reduction plans included in Operating Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:


	For the years ended December 31,
(in millions)	2018		2017		2016 (1)
Severance (including payroll taxes)	$	21	$	–	$	44
Stock-based compensation		–		–		24
Other benefits		–		–		3
Outplacement services, other		2		–		2
Total reduction in workforce-related restructuring charges (2)	$	23	$	–	$	73

(1)

Does not include $5 million non-cash charges related to the curtailment and settlement of the pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2016 presented in other income (loss), net in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 12 for additional details regarding the Company’s retirement and employee benefit plans.

(2)

Total restructuring charges were $21 million and $2 million for the Company’s E&P and Midstream segments, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2018 and $70 million and $3 million for the Company’s E&P and Midstream segments, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Fayetteville Shale Sale-Related

In December 2018, the Company closed on the sale of the equity in certain of its subsidiaries that owned and operated its Fayetteville Shale E&P and related midstream gathering assets in Arkansas. As part of this transaction, most employees associated with those assets became employees of the buyer although the employment of some was, or will be, terminated. All affected employees were offered a severance package, which included a one-time cash payment depending on length of service and, if applicable, the current value of a portion of equity awards that were forfeited. Additionally, a small number of employees have been retained to provide assistance through the divestiture transition period and will receive a similar severance package upon the deferred termination of their employment. As of December 31, 2018, a liability of $4 million for severance payments has been accrued related to remaining Fayetteville Shale sale-related employment terminations.

As a result of the Fayetteville Shale sale, the Company relocated certain employees and infrastructure to other areas. In addition to personnel-related costs, the Company has also incurred charges related to office consolidation and has recognized these costs as restructuring charges. The following table presents a summary of the restructuring charges related to Fayetteville Shale sale included in Operating Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2018:


	For the year ended
(in millions)	December 31, 2018
Severance (including payroll taxes)	$	12
Office consolidation		4
Total Fayetteville Shale sale-related charges (1) (2)	$	16

(1)

Total restructuring charges were $16 million for the Company’s E&P segment for the year ended December 31, 2018.

(2)

Does not include a $4 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2018 related to the curtailment of the other postretirement benefit plan presented in other income (loss), net on the consolidated statements of operations.