Albertsons To Lay Off Up To 2,500 Workers Due To Sales Slowdown

FULLERTON (CBS)— Albertsons announced plans Wednesday to reduce its workforce by 2,200-2,500 positions, affecting all 247 California and Nevada stores.

"A decision of this nature is never easy, but it is the necessary step for us to take to help improve our business and accelerate our turnaround," said Dan Sanders, president of Albertsons' Fullerton-based Southern California Division.

"Our goal is to more effectively serve the marketplace by scheduling associates more appropriately to serve customers at the times they shop," he said. "I am confident our team will embrace these changes and help us to compete more effectively in a rapidly changing marketplace."

The layoffs -- which are set to begin June 17 and should be nearly completed near July 1 -- are "expected to directly impact a small number of positions at any specific store location," according to a company statement.

In February, the company reduced staff in its Fullerton store support center.

"While Albertsons' commitment to the neighborhoods it serves remains the same, the need for change at the company is clear," the company's statement says. "Albertsons has not kept pace with the changing needs of its customers for a number of reasons. At the same time, while the division has experienced a reduction in traffic and an overall decline in sales, it has not made the necessary adjustments to its store-level operations."

Albertsons executives pledged to work with the United Food and Commercial Workers union to "ensure a smooth transition for affected associates."