PepsiCo Announces Closure of Multiple U.S. Bottling Plants, Impacting Hundreds of Workers
In a significant move that has sent ripples through the U.S. manufacturing sector, PepsiCo has announced the closure of four of its bottling plants across the United States, resulting in the layoff of nearly 400 employees. This decision, part of the company's broader efforts to streamline its operations, has been met with strong criticism from unions and affected workers.
Chicago Plant Closure
The first of these closures was announced on October 28, affecting a bottling plant in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood. This 60-year-old facility, which has been in operation for over six decades, is being shut down due to its "physical limitations," according to PepsiCo. The closure will impact approximately 150 workers, many of whom are members of Teamsters Local 727. The union has accused PepsiCo of violating federal law by not providing the required 60-day notice for plant closures or mass layoffs, a requirement under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act[1][2][5].
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