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 metropolis of Vernon, is established to shut following 12 months.

In accordance to an update issued by the United Foods and Professional Workers Union (UFCW) 770, its bargaining crew was ready to negotiate a new contract when Farmer John representatives declared the closure of the plant.

“Regardless of a robust, mutually effective marriage with Farmer John staff and their union, Smithfield has resolved to exit functions in California,” said President of UFCW 770 John Grant in a statement despatched to Eyewitness News.

Grant claimed a fair arrangement that compensates their staff until eventually upcoming calendar year has been achieved.

In accordance the plant’s mother or father corporation, Smithfield Foods, Inc., the selection was produced thanks to “escalating charge of performing small business in California.” The firm also reported it will lower its sow herd in Utah and is looking at choices to exit its farms in Arizona and California.

The firm stated it is really supplying changeover help to all impacted personnel, which includes relocation options to other firm amenities and farms as effectively as retention incentives.

“We hope that an additional operator will acquire gain of the very skilled and stable workforce that tends to make the Farmer John plant a effective and lucrative element of Vernon’s packing infrastructure,” explained Grant.

Sources tell ABC7 amongst 1,800 and 2,500 employees are set to be laid off.