08.12.15

Durbin Urges Kraft Heinz Company to Reconsider Plan to Eliminate 700 Jobs in Illinois

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on the CEO of The Kraft Heinz Company to reconsider its decision to eliminate 700 jobs in Illinois.  Earlier today, the company announced that it will eliminate 2,500 jobs in the U.S. and Canada. 

  

In the event that the decision is not reversed, Durbin urged the company to do more for displaced workers: “This corporate decision creates tremendous social and economic pain for these workers, their families, and the greater Northfield community.  Given the assurances in your corporate statement that, “The Kraft Heinz Company is committed to treating our people with the utmost respect and dignity as they transition to new opportunities outside the Company,” it is my hope that if these Illinois-based employees are displaced, they will have access to training and job placement services that will minimize the disruption to their lives. The Kraft Heinz Company can and should make additional resources available for transitioning employees.”

  

Text of today’s letter is below.

  

August 12, 2015

  

Mr. Bernardo Hess

CEO

The Kraft Heinz Company

3 Lakes Drive

Northfield, IL 60093-2753

  

Dear Mr. Hess:

  

            It is my understanding that The Kraft Heinz Company will eliminate 2,500 jobs in the U.S. and Canada, including those of 700 workers in Illinois.  In light of the community’s long-standing support for and contributions to your success, I urge you to reconsider those plans.

    

          This corporate decision creates tremendous social and economic pain for these workers, their families, and the greater Northfield community.  Given the assurances in your corporate statement that, “The Kraft Heinz Company is committed to treating our people with the utmost respect and dignity as they transition to new opportunities outside the Company,” it is my hope that if these Illinois-based employees are displaced, they will have access to training and job placement services that will minimize the disruption to their lives. The Kraft Heinz Company can and should make additional resources available for transitioning employees. 

    

          I understand business decisions are never easy, but I urge The Kraft Heinz Company to reconsider its decision to eliminate 700 jobs in Illinois, and if that is not possible, I trust you will support each employee whose job loss is imminent in a successful transition. 

    

                                                Sincerely,

  

Richard J. Durbin

U.S. Senator