Manufacturing plant announces layoffs, furloughs just weeks before Christmas [Video]

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) – A manufacturing plant in Tennessee has announced furloughs and layoffs this month for its workforce.

The Mersen Manufacturing plant said it is set to furlough 80% of its workers in Columbia.

The furloughs were announced just weeks before the Christmas holiday and 25% of its workforce was permanently laid off as of Dec. 15.

The facility underwent a $64.5 million investment in Maury County in 2019.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development administered a $505,000 infrastructure grant for the project which was awarded to the county, not Mersen.

In response to the furloughs and layoffs, the workers’ union representing those affected has filed an unfair labor practice charge. They’re accusing Mersen of violating federal labor law and betraying commitments to the community.

“This is a betrayal of Tennessee workers and taxpayers,” Carl Kennebrew, President of IUE-CWA, said. “The public invested in Mersen with the promise …