BOISE -- The company SUPERVALU, which owns the majority of Albertsons grocery stores, announced it will be cutting about 800 positions nationwide. Mike Siemienas, a SUPERVALU spokesman, says about 130 local jobs will be cut across all departments.
There are 1,150 people employed in the Boise area. Siemienas says the cuts will not affect employees like cashiers, butchers, etc. in the stores.
SUPERVALU says those employees that will be losing their jobs will be notified throughout this week. They will outsource people domestically and internationally.
A majority of the layoffs will happen by February 25, 2012. The reduction of positions will include current positions, as well as open jobs that are not currently filled.
The layoffs are part of the company's plan to remove permanent expenses and reduce overall operating costs. SUPERVALU says these cost-saving measures are necessary in "helping the company achieve its plan to deliver more competitive pricing to its customers."
The cutbacks will affect all company officers and most departments within the organization. According to SUPERVALU, "In general, store level associates are not affected." The people in the positions that are being eliminated will be eligible for severance and outplacement services.
"While the announcement of a workforce reduction is difficult news to share, due to its direct impact on our associates, these changes will allow us to better connect with customers and put more authority in the hands of people who interact more closely with our customers," said SUPERVALU CEO and President Craig Herkert in a written statement.
