We knew this Southeast Iowa factory was closing. Now we know when layoffs are happening—and how many workers will be affected.
(Watch this story on YouTube.)
This week, Case New Holland filed notice that 209 workers will be laid off in Burlington.
Instead of one big layoff, the company is using what’s called a “rolling layoff.” That’s where companies cut a few workers at a time, instead of one big layoff. (More about that in the video below.)
@iowastartinglineWells Fargo laid off over 450 employees last year, but you probably didn’t hear about it. That’s because the company has a new trick for keeping things under wraps. Follow for more from our series Clocked In: Iowa At Work.♬ original sound – Iowa Starting Line
At CNH, rolling layoffs will begin with seven workers on March 23. More will follow in April, with a final round of layoffs affecting 24 workers on May 29.
In total: 209 CNH employees will be out of work.
The company, which makes billions of dollars in revenue each quarter—and has an Italian billionaire owner—announced the plant’s closure in November, saying it would save CNH just $17 million.
Officials at United Auto Workers, which represents CNH workers in Burlington, slammed the company for that decision.
UAW President Shawn Fain called the decision “an economic bomb on the Burlington community.”
He added, “I’m sick and tired of seeing the same scenario play out in America over and over again because of corporate greed.”
Workers say the plant was integral to Burlington, and its closure would be “devastating” for the community.
CNH says demand for its equipment dropped, leading to worker cuts. But Burlington’s mayor said the company could’ve made different products at the plant instead.
“Everybody was trying to keep them here,” Burlington Mayor Jon Billups told Iowa Public Radio this week, noting the city and state had given millions of dollars to CNH over the years. “It’s just heartbreaking for the families that are going to be affected.”
This week, UAW Local 807 President Marcques Derby said the company’s decision to close the 89-year-old plant doesn’t erase, quote, “the value of the work performed here and the people who performed it.”
Are you a past or present CNH worker? Share your thoughts.
@iowastartinglineCase New Holland announced official dates for the closure of its 100-year-old Burlington plant, which will leave 209 Iowa workers in the dust. Follow for more from our Clocked In series.
