By: Richard L. Smith
Hundreds of workers connected to companies with a presence in Newark could soon be out of a job, according to newly filed notices with the state.
Data from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development shows a total of 357 potential job cuts tied to three companies, as part of filings under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.
The largest number of impacted employees comes from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, which reported 242 layoffs set to take effect on April 26.
Food distributor Luna Foods, operating as Joey’s Fine Foods, listed 61 workers affected, with layoffs scheduled for June 5.
Meanwhile, Prudential Financial reported 54 impacted employees, with layoffs expected between May 7 and June 7.
WARN notices are required under federal law to give workers advance notice, typically 60 days, before large-scale layoffs or plant closures, helping employees and communities prepare for economic impacts.
It remains unclear which specific positions or departments will be affected. More details may be released as the effective dates approach.