Workers want details on Hershey layoff plans (3,000 jobs - 1,500 to Mexico)

[UpInArms]

http://www.pennlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news/117297333865700.xml&coll=1

Workers for The Hershey Co. are angry.

At a rally yesterday, they said they want answers about the company's plans to lay off up to 3,000 employees.

But even more than answers, they want to find ways to keep their jobs in the midstate.

Nearly 200 Hershey Co. employees, community members, union supporters and elected officials gathered at the Hershey Italian Lodge in Derry Twp. yesterday morning in response to the company's plans to trim 1,500 positions from its work force in the next three years while opening a factory in Mexico.

Hershey Co. officials have told employees they will eliminate up to 3,000 jobs but replace them with 1,500 jobs in another location. The company has announced it will close a plant in Ontario that employs 500, but has not said where the other losses will come from, or whether they will be done through layoffs or attrition.

Speakers yesterday said workers, business owners, union officials, elected representatives and community residents must stand united to stop jobs from moving out of central Pennsylvania.

...more...

[ulysses]

1. yay, NAFTA!

[blondie58]

2. another source of jobs gone

As much as I like Hershey bars, I may have to boycott.

[NYC]

7. Write them a letter.

I did.

http://www.hersheys.com/

Read this page:
http://www.thehersheycompany.com/making/

Introduction
At The Hershey Company, we're committed to making a difference in the communities where we live, work and do business. This commitment dates from the earliest years of our company and is a vital part both of our heritage and of who we are today.

More than a century ago, our founder broke ground for what was to become the world's largest chocolate factory. Mr. Hershey truly was unique. Not only did he transform the business of making chocolate, but he established an enduring model of responsible community stewardship. Today, the Milton Hershey School and the community of Hershey, Pa., stand as testimonials to his vision of a successful business rewarding employees and helping those less fortunate.

We're proud of our legacy and our heritage of giving back to the community.

Then, click "contact us" in the upper right.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. It's much more than the workers (not to minimalize their plight).

The town of Hershey and the county of Lancaster depends upon the Hershey factory for their economic status. Nearly a century of development has had to incorporate the manufacturing jobs, the tourism, the products, the contribution to ancillary businesses, the donations to charities and the community at large as booster. Plus, where does the Hershey Trust prevent any of this or protect the original purpose of the trust to continue to be a company that exists for the sake of the community versus the shareholders? This is a serious challenge to the bedrock of the company and to the residents as well as the workers.


Milton S. Hershey’s legacy extends beyond the company he founded, the town he built and the products he created that are enjoyed by millions. As early as 1905, he established an independent trust company to provide the town’s financial services and manage the assets that were to fund his many philanthropic endeavors.

Today, the Hershey Trust Company manages the funds of the Milton Hershey School Trust and the M.S. Hershey Foundation, as well as private individuals, families and institutions.


http://www.hersheys.com/discover/milton/hershey_trust.asp

[Canuckistanian]

9. Same thing in the Ontario Town of Smiths Falls

In a town of 6000 people, a layoff of 500 is huge. Not to mention that the Hershey plant is a major tourist attraction.

Even the town's website declares it as "Canada's Chocolate Town".

[NashVegas]

4. Retaliation Should Include The Town Changing Its Name

No more free publicity.

[ulysses]

5. Downsize, PA

We had a subthread on that a while back. :)

[Demeter]

6. Like I'm Going To Eat Chocolate Made in Mexico!

Land of salmonella? I don't think so!!

[Omaha Steve]

8. Hershey is not hurting for $, they just bought 3 gourmet companies

http://money.excite.com/jsp/nw/nwdt_rt_top.jsp?news_id=ap-d8nlglj80&

In pursuit of those high-end consumers, Hershey's recently purchased three premium chocolate companies, Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker Inc., Joseph Schmidt Confections Inc. and Dagoba Organic Chocolate.

[OhioChick]

10. Shame on Hershey. n/t

[truthisfreedom]

11. So the wrappers will say "Made in Mexico"? Or will they find a loophole that lets them avoid that?

I have nothing against Mexico. I just wonder if Hershey's wants to cover up the truth.