Acme Owner, Supervalu, Recently Announced Plan to Cut 800 Jobs; Casey Calls on Company to Protect PA Workforce
Acme Has Been Part of State Since 1891
Casey: Keeping Jobs in PA Will Be Good for Workers, Acme
Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) urged Supervalu, Acme Markets’ owner, to protect Pennsylvania jobs in the wake of their recent announcement to cut 800 members of their workforce.
Acme remains one of the largest food retailers in the Philadelphia region and has a long and rich history in Pennsylvania that dates back to 1891.
In his letter to Supervalu, Casey cited the first rate quality of Pennsylvania’s workforce, the importance that the company’s jobs play in the state’s economy and the long history that the company has had in the state to make the case for Pennsylvania’s Acme workers. Casey said that both Pennsylvania’s workers and the company would benefit from a robust presence in the region.
“Acme has a long and rich history in Pennsylvania that goes back over 100 years, it makes smart sense to continue to leverage this tradition for both the sake of the company and the economy of the region,” Casey said. “The Philadelphia region is home to a dedicated, loyal and well-trained workforce that should be viewed as a valuable resource.”
Supervalu, one of the largest owners of supermarkets in the country, has recently announced plans to trim its Acme workforce by 800. In a letter to Supervalu CEO and President Craig Herkert, Casey urged the company to protect Pennsylvanians who are employed by Acme and continue the company’s tradition in the state.
The full text of Casey’s letter to Supervalu’s CEO and President can be seen below:
February 22, 2012
Mr. Craig R. Herkert
CEO and President
SUPERVALU
East View Innovation Center
7075 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Dear Mr. Herkert:
I write to you today to share my concerns with Supervalu’s announcement that it will be cutting 800 jobs across the country.
Acme, owned by Supervalu, has a long history in Pennsylvania, opening in 1891 in South Philadelphia. Today, there are 117 storefronts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Acme remains one of the largest food retailers in the Philadelphia area.
Your recent announcement is especially troubling given that it follows a previous round of layoffs of 900 Acme workers. As owner, I am sure you understand the importance of Acme to Eastern Pennsylvania as both an employer and an institution. I respectfully urge you to consider the company’s history and to do your best to maintain jobs in Pennsylvania.
Please evaluate these decisions with the utmost care to minimize impact to the region. Thank you for taking my concerns into consideration.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
