Gardena, California-based furniture maker Jonathan Louis has announced the layoff of 329 employees commencing on August 30, 2019. A company spokesperson attributed the layoffs to “a slowing in business demand and an increase in production costs.” A major portion of the company’s raw materials are sourced in China and it is possible that the new U.S. 25% tariff structure on furniture and components may have resulted in an increase in the cost of materials. The company produces sofas, sectionals, chairs , storage beds, chaise lounges, and headboards which are primarily sold in Southern California. According to a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice filed with the State of California, the positions affected include: 179 floor helpers, 40 upholsterers, 34 machine sewing operators, 16 fabric cutters, 12 assemblers, eight quality control inspectors, seven forklift drivers, six supervisors, five janitors, four machine operators, four spring assemblers and three foam cutters.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?