Consolidated Manufacturing

A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of 98 employees alleging the company violated the federal Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act which requires a company to give at least 60 days notice if it plans to lay off 100 or more employees. On February 28, 2006, nearly 120 employees were given 30 minutes notice before the company shut down its manufacturing plant. Former employees of Consolidated Manufacturing have reached a tentative settlement agreement with the company for $240,000. The company claims it did not violate any portion of the WARN Act, but has proposed to pay each employee up to $1,700 in payment and benefits for the 60 days of lost work. (Dec-13-06) [HUTCHINSON NEWS: MASS LAYOFF]