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 largest employer in the metropolis of Vernon, is established to close following 12 months.

In accordance to an update issued by the United Foodstuff and Industrial Personnel Union (UFCW) 770, its bargaining workforce was organized to negotiate a new agreement when Farmer John reps declared the closure of the plant.

“Inspite of a sturdy, mutually helpful relationship with Farmer John staff members and their union, Smithfield has resolved to exit operations in California,” mentioned President of UFCW 770 John Grant in a assertion sent to Eyewitness News.

Grant explained a fair agreement that compensates their staff till future 12 months has been arrived at.

According the plant’s parent business, Smithfield Food items, Inc., the final decision was built thanks to “escalating value of doing business enterprise in California.” The enterprise also stated it will reduce its sow herd in Utah and is hunting at selections to exit its farms in Arizona and California.

The company reported it really is giving transition guidance to all impacted personnel, which include relocation alternatives to other organization facilities and farms as properly as retention incentives.

“We hope that yet another operator will choose benefit of the really qualified and steady workforce that tends to make the Farmer John plant a effective and successful portion of Vernon’s packing infrastructure,” reported Grant.

Resources tell ABC7 involving 1,800 and 2,500 staff are established to be laid off.