Casey Urges Teva to Keep Jobs in Pennsylvania

Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has written Eyal Desheh, Interim CEO of Teva, and Allan Oberman, President and CEO of Teva Americas Generics, urging them to protect jobs in Pennsylvania as the company considers worldwide layoffs. In his letter to Teva, which has its Americas headquarters in Montgomery Township, Casey cited the quality of the region’s workforce and the company’s longstanding history in the region in making the case for jobs.

“As Teva makes decisions about its worldwide workforce I’m urging them to protect jobs in Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. Our region’s workforce is known for its worth ethic, efficiency and quality. These jobs play an important role in the region’s economy and I’ll continue to encourage Teva to prioritize employment in Pennsylvania.”

The text of Senator Casey’s letter is below:

Dear Mr. Desheh and Mr. Oberman:

I write to express my concern regarding the recent announcement that Teva plans to lay off 5,000 employees throughout its global workforce. Although Teva has not specified where those layoffs will occur, I understand that you currently have eight facilities in Pennsylvania, including Teva’s North America headquarters, that employ over 2,300 individuals. I am concerned about the impact that any layoffs might have on Pennsylvania’s economy and its workers.

My top priority is to create and maintain well-paying jobs throughout Pennsylvania. I recognize the important role that pharmaceutical companies play in Pennsylvania’s economy, and I have strongly promoted policies that support a robust life sciences industry. As a member of the Committee on Finance, I have prioritized tax provisions that encourage investments in the life sciences, and as a member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, I have championed legislation to support innovation in the biomedical sector and encourage greater efficiency and responsiveness at the Food and Drug Administration.

I recognize the unique challenges facing private sector employers today, including those in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the employees at Teva’s Pennsylvania facilities have demonstrated a solid work ethic for many years that has served your company well. I ask that you consider this exceptional record when making any decisions that might impact workers and families in Pennsylvania.

I stand ready for any input you may have regarding Teva’s presence in Pennsylvania, or regarding the state of the pharmaceutical industry, in Pennsylvania or throughout our Nation. If I or my staff can be of further assistance, please contact my office.

Sincerely,

Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator

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