Update: Haggen CEO responds to layoffs
The Haggen’s grocery store on Creston Road in Paso Robles.
Update posted July 31:
Haggen CEO responds to layoffs
– Haggen CEO Bill Shaner has released the following updated statement regarding the recent layoffs in their chain of grocery stores:
“Our journey to establish and grow the Haggen brand in new markets has been challenging. As a result, we recently made the difficult decision to lay off members of our team. These decisions were especially painful – we don’t take them lightly – but they were necessary for our business. Employees were laid off based on job classification and seniority, in compliance with collective bargaining agreements. As part of the reduction, we eliminated the Clerks Helper job classification in our stores, which unfortunately included some associates with developmental disabilities. We feel for all our former associates, in particular those with disabilities. To clarify misinformation, all laid off associates may seek employment anywhere they choose. We have already and will continue to help these associates find other jobs, through individual support and by partnering with concerned leaders and organizations in the community.
“We know this process has deeply impacted our former and current team members, as well as our neighborhoods. Haggen takes pride in our 82-year history of delivering quality products, serving guests, and developing meaningful relationships in the communities we serve. We plan to continue that same tradition in the Pacific Southwest. We’re committed to succeeding and, as our business grows, we hope to bring back as many of our associates as we can.
“Having to implement layoffs has been extremely difficult, and I am especially disheartened by the fact that our associates with developmental disabilities were impacted by these changes. We are helping employees find other jobs and have reached out to organizations that help to support these individuals in hopes of learning from this experience and finding ways that we can help.
“This is deeply personal to me, and our entire team at Haggen. We are working tirelessly to strengthen our business. Our goal is that these cuts are temporary and that we will be in a position to re-hire all our associates over time.”
Original story posted July 16:
Local courtesy clerks laid off in cost-cutting efforts by the Washington-based chain
– Haggen, a Washington-based chain of grocery stores that recently expanded into California – including two locations in the North County – has let go of dozens of local workers. While the company confirmed layoffs, it did not share details.
“They started by cutting our hours,” said Christina Van Pelt, a former courtesy clerk at the Haggen store in Paso Robles. “Then they just took us completely off the schedule…Only the four original baggers that were first hired got to stay. They let go of 17 of us.”
Van Pelt, a single parent of a special needs five-year-old, said that finding a replacement job will be a challenge, as, because of details of an agreement with Albertson’s and Vons, which sold their locations to Haggen, she is not able to look for work at those grocery stores for a year. According to Van Pelt, the stores are looking into seeing if the time frame can be reduced. “My manager cried when he let me go. I felt bad for him having to do that. I know that the orders came down from corporate and they had to carry them out,” said Van Kelp. “We have no idea what we are going to do.”
Christina Righter is the mother of another laid off courtesy clerk. Her son, Myles O’Keefe, was a worker at the Atascadero location. “His managers loved him,” said Righter. O’Keefe was a high functioning special needs man, who will now also face challenges securing work. “The customers loved him,” she said. “He was doing so well, and he was so happy…I would hate to see him have to go back to flipping burgers or making sandwiches,” she said through tears. “He was excelling. He was growing.”
Both sources said the cuts were a corporate, money-saving decision. Locals have been complaining about the high prices at the stores, they say. Both sources said that the layoffs were likely an effort to be able to cut prices back to be able to be more competitive in the local area.
According to Righter, over 100 regional workers were laid off. Van Pelt said that 17 clerks were laid off from the Paso Robles store; close to 20 percent of the staff, she estimates.
Haggen declined to confirm the exact number of workers that were laid off in Central Coast Stores. “Haggen is focused on working with store teams and leadership through this transition with employees,” stated Kris Ellenberg, a public relations representative for Haggen.
Bill Shaner, CEO, Haggen, Pacific Southwest, issued the following statement: “As we introduce Haggen throughout Southern California, Arizona and Nevada, our challenge is to establish and grow the brand in competitive new markets, while working to bring the complete Haggen experience to our stores. To ensure we’re operating as efficiently as possible, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily cut back on staffing at our stores, with specific reductions varying by store. We value the contributions these employees have made and are committed to treating all employees with the utmost respect and dignity through this transition. We will continue to monitor performance with the goal of restoring hours as we build customer affinity for Haggen and establish ourselves in the competitive grocery space.”
Bring back vons
They are trying to get rid of union employees
Bring back Williams Brothers
Bad move Haggens… makes me recoil from your store even more. It was the employees there that made me go in there in the first place.
Bad move Haggens… makes me recoil from your store even more. It was the employees there that made me go in there in the first place.
So sad. Maybe they should have researched our area before entering it. We are not southern ca and they priced their merchandise like they did San diego. Education haggens. Even more reason not to shop there
Please tell Christina Van Pelt that of course she can work for those other stores. That non-compete is likely invalid in the State of CA. She should consult an attorney immediately.
Please tell Christina Van Pelt that of course she can work for those other stores. That non-compete is likely invalid in the State of CA. She should consult an attorney immediately.
Please tell Christina Van Pelt that of course she can work for those other stores. That non-compete is likely invalid in the State of CA. She should consult an attorney immediately.
Way too expensive and very unfriendly staff in A town Please leave and bring back Vons or Safeway.
Albertsons and food fod less said they would not hire the laid off for a year. People have already went there and tried.
This does not look good on Haggens.. They move stores into a small tight nitch community, then lay of loyal workers that live rite here in that same community? Shop at Trader Joes, Smart and Final and your local farmers market.
Went into the Paso store and after seeing the prices left without any purchases. We have the power to stop this just don't shope their and watch them change their tune, or leave, which is my desire hate rip off's.
If Haggen's heart aches for these former employees so much then why don't they rescind the restriction that they not work at Albertson’s and Vons for a year?
Then maybe we should all stop shopping at Albertson's and Food For Less for a year! How about it, people!
Then maybe we should all stop shopping at Albertson's and Food For Less for a year! How about it, people!
Dean I like how you think .
Dean I like how you think .
Dean I like how you think .
I KNEW IT!! We live just blocks from the store. I only go there now once in awhile to the Starbucks. Everytime, it's dead! No customers! It's just another example of corporate greed comeing before human lives, and their ability to make a living! SO INFURIATING!
I went in once uIt's sad that Albertson's got greedy and sold out…they sold out their employees and customers.st to see, only time I've been back is to go to my bank. I've heard nothing but complaints and bad things about quality and the prices. They need to rescind the non-compete clause.
I went there on their grand reopening day. After seeing their prices, my room mate and I left without buying anything and went to Albertsons. After seeing what they're doing to their employees, I won't be back.
I went there on their grand reopening day. After seeing their prices, my room mate and I left without buying anything and went to Albertsons. After seeing what they're doing to their employees, I won't be back.
And, please don't forget, some of us, laid off employees ,
heard about it on facebook!!
thank-you Cindy! We loved our customers, and remained loyal to Haggen until the end..for what?
thank-you Cindy! We loved our customers, and remained loyal to Haggen until the end..for what?
According to the terms of the merger set forth by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) neither New Albertsons Inc. Or Vons Safeway are allowed to hire employees from any divested stores for 1year after the close of the deal and final approval from the FTC. Its a sad sad situation, but as of right now it's a federal mandate, out of their hands.
It was not a choice made by Haggen's Corporate Management. It's out of their hands.
So very sad for all the wonderful people and families who worked their hearts out for this company.
Albertson's in Atascadero was a great store, and where I did most of my shopping. SInce the change, after 2 or 3 visits to Haggen, I HATE the store, am dismayed the price increases and lesser quality produce than previously, and am now shopping at the Atascadero Von's. Now to see they are laying off people just breaks my heart.
Susan LaCasse Oh no! That is SOO not right!!!!
Susan LaCasse Oh no! That is SOO not right!!!!
Patt Wilson Does the contract state that they cannot hire employees that are actively employed by Haggens? You would think that if a employee was laid off that they are free to seek employment anywhere, but I have not seen the contracts nor signed agreements.
Patt Wilson Does the contract state that they cannot hire employees that are actively employed by Haggens? You would think that if a employee was laid off that they are free to seek employment anywhere, but I have not seen the contracts nor signed agreements.
Grocery outlets is opening go there they are going to be in PASO
That is awful Susan, I have shipped there from the beginning, only been in there once since they took over, I loved all the checkers and workers makes me sad!
I moved to Paso Robles from the East Coast in August of last year, after trying out every grocery store in Paso I decided Vons had the best atmosphere, most friendly staff, clean approachable layout and just made me feel at home the minute I walked in.
Then, to my surprise 8 months later they were gone….and I was furious, no way did I want to find somewhere new already I felt so good about shopping at Vons!
So what did I do? Drive to Vons in Atascadero!!! Forget Hanggens, their flyer isn't even inviting, their prices have me running out the door and now this. Just awful!
I encourage everyone to shop in Atascadero at Vons, it's only another 10 minutes down the road but it's so worth it. I love using the Vons app as I shop too, adding coupons to my card for each item I put on the cart. Can't beat their prices either, I'm not a big fan of Albertsons and I cannot explain why it just doesn't feel the same! If your on the same boat, theres no harm in giving Vons in A town a shot.
I live in Paso Robles, and I shopped at Vons faithfully. Haggen's prices are too high, and so now we no longer shop there. We have switched to shopping at Food 4 Less and sometimes Albertsons. I also now shop at the Vons in Atascadero. Haggen took over an raised prises. If they had kept their prices more in line with what Vons did, than they would not be having the financial troubles that they are. As a result, a lot of good people have lost their jobs due to Haggen's corporate greed!
Also, Vons in Paso was always packed with people…not so with Haggen…it's a ghost town in there!
Boycott these stores…. Send back to Washington…. Sorry for all the lost incomes!!!
Patt Wilson
I doubt that would include layoffs, it makes little sense. Those are usually to avoid the competition from making a run on the company, trying to hire the best employees. Since Haggen has laid-off these people the non-compete clause does nothing but hurt the employees chances to find a new job, which is not what these agreements are about.
Thats what i thought.
Thats what i thought.
This makes me think about where I want to shop! I was just getting used to it & even was liking it BUT certainly not liking the way they are getting rid of good help who we all know & like. Wrong!!!
This is normal. They over hire then keep the cream after the initial opening rush passes. Usually around the second month they start letting people go. I've been retail for 35 years and it has always been this way with large retailers.
Haggens employees signed a written agreement. They where aware and agreed with those terms 🙁
nothing but bean counters at work again . what looks good on paper does not work in real life … they have no clue at all …how life really works behind a desk in there little cube
This was very foolish of Haggens. People were already unhappy with them. This is a small town and people stick up for each other. I know I won't be shopping at Haggens.
This was very foolish of Haggens. People were already unhappy with them. This is a small town and people stick up for each other. I know I won't be shopping at Haggens.
While I think this is absolutely terrible for the locals, shoppers faced with higher prices, and those poor employees that lost hours or jobs,I think this is possibly the beginning of the end. I predicted the demise of these locations the minute this deal went down,
Some were Spencers not that long before, and if not, they were hardly the dominate store in any of the towns they were in even if an Albertsons/Vons. I always felt that somehow the FTC mandate that was meant to block the Monopoly…Somehow Safeway/Albertsons "Lipsticked the pigs" to Haggens and got away with Divesting the most underperforming stores in our county before they ever even had to own them..
.It is absolutely terrible for Everyone here and I suspect It will be terrible for Haggens…Just like Spencers…I might be wrong, but this was my opinion when I heard about the FTC mandated deal, and saw the locations they were divesting, before I ever stepped foot in a Haggens..I hate to Say it, but unless they have more Capital then I think, I bet most if not all will be closed or sold in a year. Corporate greed and shady politics as usual:(
Bring back vons
They are trying to get rid of union employees
Bring back Williams Brothers
Bad move Haggens… makes me recoil from your store even more. It was the employees there that made me go in there in the first place.
Bad move Haggens… makes me recoil from your store even more. It was the employees there that made me go in there in the first place.
So sad. Maybe they should have researched our area before entering it. We are not southern ca and they priced their merchandise like they did San diego. Education haggens. Even more reason not to shop there
Please tell Christina Van Pelt that of course she can work for those other stores. That non-compete is likely invalid in the State of CA. She should consult an attorney immediately.
Please tell Christina Van Pelt that of course she can work for those other stores. That non-compete is likely invalid in the State of CA. She should consult an attorney immediately.
Please tell Christina Van Pelt that of course she can work for those other stores. That non-compete is likely invalid in the State of CA. She should consult an attorney immediately.
Way too expensive and very unfriendly staff in A town Please leave and bring back Vons or Safeway.
Albertsons and food fod less said they would not hire the laid off for a year. People have already went there and tried.
This does not look good on Haggens.. They move stores into a small tight nitch community, then lay of loyal workers that live rite here in that same community? Shop at Trader Joes, Smart and Final and your local farmers market.
Went into the Paso store and after seeing the prices left without any purchases. We have the power to stop this just don't shope their and watch them change their tune, or leave, which is my desire hate rip off's.
If Haggen's heart aches for these former employees so much then why don't they rescind the restriction that they not work at Albertson’s and Vons for a year?
Then maybe we should all stop shopping at Albertson's and Food For Less for a year! How about it, people!
Then maybe we should all stop shopping at Albertson's and Food For Less for a year! How about it, people!
Dean I like how you think .
Dean I like how you think .
Dean I like how you think .
I KNEW IT!! We live just blocks from the store. I only go there now once in awhile to the Starbucks. Everytime, it's dead! No customers! It's just another example of corporate greed comeing before human lives, and their ability to make a living! SO INFURIATING!
I went in once uIt's sad that Albertson's got greedy and sold out…they sold out their employees and customers.st to see, only time I've been back is to go to my bank. I've heard nothing but complaints and bad things about quality and the prices. They need to rescind the non-compete clause.
I went there on their grand reopening day. After seeing their prices, my room mate and I left without buying anything and went to Albertsons. After seeing what they're doing to their employees, I won't be back.
I went there on their grand reopening day. After seeing their prices, my room mate and I left without buying anything and went to Albertsons. After seeing what they're doing to their employees, I won't be back.
And, please don't forget, some of us, laid off employees ,
heard about it on facebook!!
thank-you Cindy! We loved our customers, and remained loyal to Haggen until the end..for what?
thank-you Cindy! We loved our customers, and remained loyal to Haggen until the end..for what?
According to the terms of the merger set forth by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) neither New Albertsons Inc. Or Vons Safeway are allowed to hire employees from any divested stores for 1year after the close of the deal and final approval from the FTC. Its a sad sad situation, but as of right now it's a federal mandate, out of their hands.
It was not a choice made by Haggen's Corporate Management. It's out of their hands.
So very sad for all the wonderful people and families who worked their hearts out for this company.
Albertson's in Atascadero was a great store, and where I did most of my shopping. SInce the change, after 2 or 3 visits to Haggen, I HATE the store, am dismayed the price increases and lesser quality produce than previously, and am now shopping at the Atascadero Von's. Now to see they are laying off people just breaks my heart.
Susan LaCasse Oh no! That is SOO not right!!!!
Susan LaCasse Oh no! That is SOO not right!!!!
Patt Wilson Does the contract state that they cannot hire employees that are actively employed by Haggens? You would think that if a employee was laid off that they are free to seek employment anywhere, but I have not seen the contracts nor signed agreements.
Patt Wilson Does the contract state that they cannot hire employees that are actively employed by Haggens? You would think that if a employee was laid off that they are free to seek employment anywhere, but I have not seen the contracts nor signed agreements.
Grocery outlets is opening go there they are going to be in PASO
That is awful Susan, I have shipped there from the beginning, only been in there once since they took over, I loved all the checkers and workers makes me sad!
I moved to Paso Robles from the East Coast in August of last year, after trying out every grocery store in Paso I decided Vons had the best atmosphere, most friendly staff, clean approachable layout and just made me feel at home the minute I walked in.
Then, to my surprise 8 months later they were gone….and I was furious, no way did I want to find somewhere new already I felt so good about shopping at Vons!
So what did I do? Drive to Vons in Atascadero!!! Forget Hanggens, their flyer isn't even inviting, their prices have me running out the door and now this. Just awful!
I encourage everyone to shop in Atascadero at Vons, it's only another 10 minutes down the road but it's so worth it. I love using the Vons app as I shop too, adding coupons to my card for each item I put on the cart. Can't beat their prices either, I'm not a big fan of Albertsons and I cannot explain why it just doesn't feel the same! If your on the same boat, theres no harm in giving Vons in A town a shot.
I live in Paso Robles, and I shopped at Vons faithfully. Haggen's prices are too high, and so now we no longer shop there. We have switched to shopping at Food 4 Less and sometimes Albertsons. I also now shop at the Vons in Atascadero. Haggen took over an raised prises. If they had kept their prices more in line with what Vons did, than they would not be having the financial troubles that they are. As a result, a lot of good people have lost their jobs due to Haggen's corporate greed!
Also, Vons in Paso was always packed with people…not so with Haggen…it's a ghost town in there!
Boycott these stores…. Send back to Washington…. Sorry for all the lost incomes!!!
Patt Wilson
I doubt that would include layoffs, it makes little sense. Those are usually to avoid the competition from making a run on the company, trying to hire the best employees. Since Haggen has laid-off these people the non-compete clause does nothing but hurt the employees chances to find a new job, which is not what these agreements are about.
Thats what i thought.
Thats what i thought.
This makes me think about where I want to shop! I was just getting used to it & even was liking it BUT certainly not liking the way they are getting rid of good help who we all know & like. Wrong!!!
This is normal. They over hire then keep the cream after the initial opening rush passes. Usually around the second month they start letting people go. I've been retail for 35 years and it has always been this way with large retailers.
Haggens employees signed a written agreement. They where aware and agreed with those terms 🙁
nothing but bean counters at work again . what looks good on paper does not work in real life … they have no clue at all …how life really works behind a desk in there little cube
This was very foolish of Haggens. People were already unhappy with them. This is a small town and people stick up for each other. I know I won't be shopping at Haggens.
This was very foolish of Haggens. People were already unhappy with them. This is a small town and people stick up for each other. I know I won't be shopping at Haggens.
While I think this is absolutely terrible for the locals, shoppers faced with higher prices, and those poor employees that lost hours or jobs,I think this is possibly the beginning of the end. I predicted the demise of these locations the minute this deal went down,
Some were Spencers not that long before, and if not, they were hardly the dominate store in any of the towns they were in even if an Albertsons/Vons. I always felt that somehow the FTC mandate that was meant to block the Monopoly…Somehow Safeway/Albertsons "Lipsticked the pigs" to Haggens and got away with Divesting the most underperforming stores in our county before they ever even had to own them..
.It is absolutely terrible for Everyone here and I suspect It will be terrible for Haggens…Just like Spencers…I might be wrong, but this was my opinion when I heard about the FTC mandated deal, and saw the locations they were divesting, before I ever stepped foot in a Haggens..I hate to Say it, but unless they have more Capital then I think, I bet most if not all will be closed or sold in a year. Corporate greed and shady politics as usual:(