ILION, N.Y. – Local labor agencies came together to help make the holidays a little brighter for former Remington workers and their families.
Nearly 600 workers were laid off after Remington filed bankruptcy earlier this year, and sold the company in parts to various buyers. The United Mine Workers of America 717, the union that represents the workers, says the employees were let go without severance and benefits promised in their contracts.
The Central New York Labor Council, Workforce Development Institute and James R. Cook Labor Agency collected more than $10,000 worth of grocery gift cards and toys for families and children of the UMWA 717.
"People are struggling. They lost health insurance; they lost their means of income. It's tough,” said Jacquie Sweeney, secretary of UMWA 717. "Basically, we're here to make sure that their Christmas is a little more special than they expected it to be, considering the things that everyone's going through.”
Stuff the Bus also helped by donating more than 250 toys.
The union members headed to Francesca’s in Ilion Friday to pick up the toys and gift cards.
