Smithfield Foods to close Farmer John meatpacking plant in Vernon; between 1,800 and 2,500 employees set to be laid off

VERNON, Calif. (KABC) — The Farmer John plant, which is the biggest employer in the city of Vernon, is established to close upcoming calendar year.

In accordance to an update issued by the United Meals and Professional Staff Union (UFCW) 770, its bargaining crew was prepared to negotiate a new deal when Farmer John associates introduced the closure of the plant.

“Despite a potent, mutually beneficial relationship with Farmer John personnel and their union, Smithfield has resolved to exit functions in California,” claimed President of UFCW 770 John Grant in a statement sent to Eyewitness Information.

Grant explained a reasonable agreement that compensates their staff until eventually following yr has been achieved.

In accordance the plant’s mother or father business, Smithfield Foods, Inc., the choice was manufactured due to “escalating price of executing business enterprise in California.” The business also claimed it will lessen its sow herd in Utah and is on the lookout at possibilities to exit its farms in Arizona and California.

The company claimed it’s furnishing changeover guidance to all impacted employees, which includes relocation choices to other business services and farms as perfectly as retention incentives.

“We hope that yet another operator will acquire benefit of the highly qualified and secure workforce that will make the Farmer John plant a productive and financially rewarding aspect of Vernon’s packing infrastructure,” said Grant.

Sources notify ABC7 concerning 1,800 and 2,500 employees are established to be laid off.