RACINE – The City of Racine is experiencing the worst unemployment rate in the state at nearly 11 percent, which makes the layoff announcement by SC Johnson, the county’s biggest employer, devastating news.
“SC Johnson, headquartered Racine, has begun to make some organizational changes as part of a company-wide transformation that was first announced last October. “
“We care deeply about the people who work at SC Johnson and, as such, are approaching this with a firm commitment to SC Johnson’s integrity,” noted a company spokesperson. “We are making these changes in the most supportive way. While these decisions are never easy, they are necessary to make the organization a stronger, even more successful company for the long-term.”
The layoffs not only will impact the families of the workers that will be laid off by SC Johnson, it will also impact dozens of other businesses that depend on this company’s workers who buy from area businesses.”
“It’s going to have a major impact on the city. It’s just very sad,” said Nancy Gaskin of Racine during an interview with WTMJ news. “It’s going to hurt the tax base, the schools are already hurting. It’s very concerning,” continued Gaskin.
WTMJ News 4 reports that Racine County is “stepping in where it can with resume and interview workshops”.
“We have many services as a matter of fact, we provided SCJ with workforce development packets that go over our various services,” said Racine County Executive, Jim Ladwig in an interview with WTMJ News 4.
SC Johnson sent a statement explaining they are giving above market severance packages and job search support.
