Hasbro temporarily cutting 180 jobs

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) - Hasbro says that they will be temporarily cutting about 180 manufacturing positions at their East Longmeadow plant.

Hasbro Vice President of Corporate Communications Gary Serby told 22News that the seasonal workforce reduction will last until the end of the year, and that most of the workers are expected to go back to work by the end of January 2012.

The reductions go into effect in two weeks.

The Rhode Island-based toymaking company's move comes months after they announced that they were moving or cutting 145 jobs from the plant.

Serby added that Hasbro has recently invested about $25 million into their East Longmeadow plant in an effort to increase productivity and keep it competitive.

Workers leaving the area has an affect on nearby small businesses.

Aldo Fazio, the owner of the Fazio Restaunt & Pizzeria told 22News, “Anytime you lose a significant amount of jobs in the western mass area it's a trickle down effect, as a business owner if I start losing customers then my employees hours get cut, my wait staff's tips get smaller so they're not spending it back in the community and the local economy."

And it's also bad news for those looking for a job in the area; Hasbro isn't the only company cutting jobs or moving them out of the area.

Melissa Feldman of Springfield said, "I myself am looking for a job and I've done so many things trying to find one, I'd like to stay around the area but it's just the job market is so bad right now."