ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — The company that runs QVC is shutting down a North Carolina distribution center heavily damaged by a fire last month, putting nearly 2,000 people out of work, according to a filing with state officials.
“While we haven’t made any long-term decisions about the site, we already know the building will be closed for an extended period and there will not be work there for the team for the foreseeable future,” QVC said in a news release.
A WARN notice was sent on Dec. 29 while QVC still was in the process of making its long-term decision. QVC said the notice was a federal requirement because no work is currently available for its 1,953 employees, and it said the notice also helps state agencies provide them assistance.
QVC shared the following information with its Rocky Mount employees:
- “We have extended shutdown pay for Rocky Mount team members through February 1, 2022 (a small number may have extended transition schedules, depending on departmental needs).
- “After February 1, applicable separation benefits will begin for impacted team members.
- “All team members will be eligible to receive at least four weeks of separation pay or a lump sum equivalent.
- “Team members enrolled in one of our benefits plans will have continued coverage until the end of February and then would be eligible for COBRA coverage.
- “We will provide career transition services to impacted team members, including potential internal roles with the company in other locations as well as partnerships through local organizations for additional job opportunities, financial education, interview training, resume writing support, and job search training.
- “We will leverage our Team Member Relief Fund to support impacted team members and will ensure that $1 million is in this fund. This fund provides financial grants to team members affected by disasters.
- “The Rocky Mount community is important to us and our team members. QVC is donating $100,000 to the Edgecombe – Rocky Mount Employees Assistance Fund (created by United Way Tar River, Carolinas Gateway Partnership, and the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce) and will be making a donation to many of the first responder organizations that helped fight the fire.
- “We join our Rocky Mount colleagues in mourning the loss of Kevon Ricks, our contractor colleague who lost his life in the fire.”
QVC said the steps listed above were taken in addition to the $500 emergency allowance the company already provided to every employee to help cover any expenses that came up because of the fire.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders and state and local authorities for their support and commitment to the Rocky Mount community during this difficult time,” the company said. “We also wish to thank the many team members from across our company who are or have been onsite in North Carolina to assist our local leaders and colleagues in this crisis. Finally, we share our appreciation for our QVC customers, community members, and team members worldwide for the many messages of care and concern since the fire.”
More than 300 employees were working at the facility when the fire was reported shortly after 2 a.m. on Dec. 18. The body of a 21-year-old man was found after crews spent more than 12 hours trying to put out the fire.
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