Hundreds of sugar workers could see jobs slashed

More than 1,000 sugar workers are expected to join the ranks of the unemployed after Everglades Farms confirmed that there will be no production at its Long Pond factory from the coming crop.

Last Friday The Gleaner broke the news that some 600 field hands, 270 independent suppliers and 200 factory workers could lose their jobs.

While confirming the shutdown, the management of Long Pond says the fallout might not be that drastic.

Chief Executive Officer of Everglades Farm Andrew Hussey says the company expects to retain a majority of its employees as some agricultural activities, rum production and distillery tours would continue.

Hussey also confirmed that discussions are ongoing with stakeholders and that a redundancy exercise with respect to factory workers and staff will commence in the coming weeks.