In the NYC conversion the Bell System emphasized there'd be no layoffs because many operators would still be needed for toll calls, assistance, and traffic growth. However, they did note that attrition would also be a factor as "many girls leave to get married".
Some operator jobs in those days were somewhat numbing. For example, a "B" operator, who made the actual connection, simply heard a 4 digit number and inserted her plug. The machine did the rest (automatic ringing). One very simple transaction repeatedly all day long. No toll, no assistance -- all of that was handled by the "A" or other operators. Some operators worked a keyboard, simply entering a 4 digit number they heard on a keypad (manual to automatic call).
Toll operators had much more variety and tasks to do in the old days when their work included locating the desired party.
When Philadelphia went to 2L5D they purposely changed the third dial pull. Thus WAL became WAlnut 2. WAVerly became WA 4. In essence, virtually everyone got a new phone number.
For some reason I don't understand, they purposely gave out numerous exchanges instead of additional digits in one exchange. For example, when DAvenport 4 and DA 9 when out, instead of adding more DA- numbers they created GLadstone even though there were plenty of DA- codes available. My neighborhood had LIvingston, CApital, HAncock, and WAverly all out of the same building, then they added 276. With panel this kind of thing is easy (hard in step-by-step). Most exchange zones had multiple names within them, so you could have GErmantown while your next door neighbor had VIctor. When ANC came out it got even crazier.
Would anyone know why they used multiple names instead of multiple numbers per name?