These MN Companies Had Mass Layoffs In July: List

ST. PAUL, MN — More than 250 Minnesota workers got word this month that their jobs are going away, as four employers filed notices with the state disclosing layoffs or facility closures.

The filings fall under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, better known as WARN, which requires employers with 100 or more workers to give 60 days notice before a mass layoff or plant closing.

Minnesota has its own version of the law, spelled out in state statute, which can require notice even from smaller employers.

The idea behind both is to give workers a head start on finding a new job, filing for unemployment, or lining up retraining before the layoff actually hits.

Here is who filed in July and what they said.

Northern Iron, a foundry on Forest Street North in St. Paul, is ceasing operations entirely by the end of the year.The shutdown will happen in phases, with 52 workers losing their jobs when foundry production ends October 1, 12 more when finishing work ends October 23, 14 more when machining and shipping wind down November 27, and the final 8 employees laid off when the facility fully closes December 31.

About 50 of the affected workers are represented by United Steelworkers Local 2002-29 and have bumping rights under their contract.

In St. Paul, Pearson's Candy Company is closing its entire manufacturing facility on 7th Street West, citing a lack of financial sustainability. The closure will result in the termination of 80 employees effective September 28. Production workers are represented by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 22.

The notice was filed under Pearson's parent company, Promise Confections

Acuity Brands Lighting is closing its Winona manufacturing plant in its entirety on or about November 30.

Some workers at the facility are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 953 and have bumping rights under their collective bargaining agreement. The company's filing did not disclose a total headcount for the closure.

And in Rochester, Transdev Services is permanently closing its facility on East River Road after the company's contract with the city ends August 31. About 84 employees will be affected. The company said it expects the incoming contractor to hire most or all of the affected workers and that it will cooperate with the new operator to facilitate continued employment.