More updates about Dole layoffs for 2017. This for both January and the most recent one:
The Westlake Village, Calif.-based company provided the information in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) document filed with the state Aug. 7.
The cuts take effect Oct. 6, according to the most recent listing of WARN notices issued in California.
“These actions follow a strategic review of the company’s current production levels and forecast projections and are part of a continuing initiative to evaluate all berry operations to ensure they remain aligned with our growth objectives and position us to remain competitive in the marketplace,” said Bil Goldfield, director of corporate communications for Dole.
“Reducing our workforce of dedicated employees and closing facilities are among the most difficult decisions we make, but in light of increasing production costs, for example, these actions are necessary for the future of our business and will position Dole to better serve our customers with the highest quality berries that they have come to expect from Dole,” Goldfield said.
The company also eliminated some berry positions in January, a move Goldfield described at the time as Dole exiting a couple of farms in order to “(focus) on the growing areas where we can produce the best, most consistent product for our customers in the way that makes the most sense for our business and profitability.”
At the beginning of the year, Dole was growing berries in five California locations: Coachella, Oxnard, Santa Maria, Salinas and Watsonville.
Source: http://www.thepacker.com/news/more-layoffs-coming-dole-berry-division