Pioneer layoffs could be setting stage for more job cuts. (Financial Notebook).(Pioneer Investment Management USA Inc.)(Brief Article)

Pioneer Investment Management USA Inc., a Boston-based mutual fund firm, announced recently that it would lay off 63 workers from its offices in Boston, Medford and Omaha, Neb. Although the news didn't make the front page of any of the local newspapers, it may have been worthy of bigger play as it could signal the acceleration of mutual fund shops here and across the country trimming staff to match plummeting revenues.

There are those who feel that, as the recession continues and investors remain bearish, Pioneer's decision could make it safe for other firms to slash staff.

"Firms often want other firms to make that decision first," said Whitney Dow, who …