Mead's seasonal layoffs higher; economy blamed

By Mark Boshnack
Staff Writer

April 30, 2008 04:00 am

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The economy is being blamed for larger-than-usual seasonal layoffs at the MeadWestvaco Consumer & Office Products plant in Sidney, a union official said.

Layoffs at this time of year usually range near 150, said Dan Strauss, vice president of the 775-member Communications Workers of America local union. There are 267 affected, he said.

The layoffs started in October, which is a little earlier than normal, he said.

Business usually gears up in May for the new season, he said, but factors such as higher gas and food prices are affecting new orders.

But as the business picks up, he said, he was hopeful the affected employees will be rehired.

According to a statement from MWV Office Products Group, which has headquarters in Sidney, company officials "continually evaluate the business' staffing needs to remain viable, while operating in a cost-efficient manner."

Because most orders leave the facility in the fourth quarter, "the work force is most needed in the second half of the year," it states.

The employees affected by the seasonal layoffs will be called back "as soon as the business necessitates their return," according to the statement.

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