CONGRESSMAN SALAZAR WORKS TO HELP
LA JUNTA PLANT EMPLOYEES

Salazar to Visit Workers, Site on Monday

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the new reports that the city of La Junta will lose close to 150 jobs because of the closing of the Bay Valley pickle plant, Congressman John Salazar (CO-3) spoke with the CEO of parent company TreeHouse Foods and local elected officials to explore options for protecting local jobs.  Salazar also announced his plans to tour the facility on Monday, November 21st to visit with workers and discuss transition options.

“When the economy is in a downturn, people in rural communities are always hit harder,” said Salazar. “Creating new jobs and economic development has been a challenge in rural Colorado. The plant closing is an especially difficult announcement leading into the holidays, my heart goes out to the workers.”

Salazar asked CEO Sam Reed for explanation of what factors made the La Junta facility “too expensive” and asked about the company’s plans to provide their workers with severance packages.

Reed explained that overall the company is operating with too much capacity. The La Junta facility in particular operated at a 12% cost input penalty when compared to five similar plants in other states. The fixed costs have made continued production at the site economically unfeasible for TreeHouse foods. Reed also confirmed the company will begin good faith negotiations with the Teamsters Local 537, which represents over two thirds of the plant work force (112 of 150).

Salazar also spoke with La Junta Economic Development Director Wayne Snider and confirmed plans to visit with workers at the site on Monday morning.

“My goal is to protect local jobs and to make sure the workers are rightly compensated for their years of service,” said Salazar. “From what I hear, the facility is in great shape – and with a dedicated work force already in place, I hope we can attract another company to the site. In the meantime, I want our workers to know I am ready to help in any way I can.”

Salazar’s Pueblo office (719) 587-5105 stands ready to help local workers in the transition process. Salazar’s office is working with the following agencies, but also encourages workers to make direct contact with: the Colorado Workforce Center (719) 383-3191 and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment at (303) 318-3840.