Possible jobs reprieve emerges as JBS Souderton closure nears

SOUDERTON, Pa. (WPVI) -- With the planned closure of the JBS beef processing plant in Souderton just weeks away, union leaders say ongoing discussions could preserve at least part of the operation, offering a measure of hope to some of the roughly 1,500 workers affected by the shutdown.

Workers recently learned that some jobs may be saved, although details remain limited and no agreement has been finalized.

"This was tough, it was a real gut punch," said Wendell Young, president of UFCW Local 1776.

The closure announcement last month affected about 1,500 workers, many of them members of UFCW Local 1776. Young said union leaders are cautiously optimistic after conversations with plant officials and state and local leaders about maintaining a portion of the business.

"Part of the plant may stay open beyond the 14th as part of the evaluation process continues," Young said. "It would be the part that might have a future here rather than be closed down."

Despite those discussions, most workers are still expected to lose their jobs in mid-August.

"They're very upset," Young said.

Career experts say layoff announcements do not necessarily reflect a halt in hiring elsewhere.

"Employers are continuing to hire, but they're being more cautious, and they're being more selective," said David Prisco, director of the Drexel University LeBow College of Business Center for Career Readiness.

It remains unclear how many jobs, if any, could ultimately be preserved.

JBS has said the closure is driven by modernization and efficiency needs, as well as a historic shortage of cattle in the United States. The company plans to move jobs to other facilities within its network.

Some workers are expected to relocate as part of a severance agreement, but Young said most will not. That has intensified efforts to save as many jobs as possible and potentially rebuild operations in the future.

"All I can say is the fact that we're still talking with them about it is a good sign, and we're very hopeful we'll be able to accomplish something through that process," Young said.

A request for comment from JBS was not immediately returned Wednesday evening.