MCI said it laid off about 2,400 employees.

Washington-based MCI Communications said the layoffs represented 15% of its work force and was part of a consolidation in the face of increasing price competition in the long-distance telephone market. MCI, which is AT&T;’s largest competitor in long-distance service, added that the layoffs and other savings from the consolidation would reduce its operating budget by $100 million. The firm is closing its Southfield, Mich., facility, as well as a telemarketing center in Atlanta and three in California.