### PepsiCo Shuts Down Chicago Facility, Leaving 79 Workers Jobless

In a sudden move that shocked the local community, PepsiCo has closed its Back of the Yards facility in Chicago, effective immediately. This has resulted in nearly 80 employees losing their jobs just days after the Christmas holidays.

The decision has sparked outrage among the workers and their union, Teamsters Local 727, who labeled it "unlawful." Union steward Daryl Smith, a forklift operator with 29 years of service, described the scene as heartbreaking. "Seeing grown men and women crying because they don't know where their next check will come from is devastating," Smith said. He had planned to retire with the company and expressed feeling betrayed by the sudden closure.

PepsiCo defended its decision in a statement, citing the age and physical limitations of the more than 60-year-old building on 650 W 51st Street as the primary reason for the shutdown. "The decision to no longer operate at 51st Street is a difficult one," the company stated. They emphasized that they are following legal protocols per the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1989 and assured that their commitment to serving the Chicagoland area remains strong.

In an early morning letter to the union, PepsiCo revealed that 79 employees would be laid off, with wages and benefits continuing only until December 28 unless the employees resign before that date. John Coli, Jr., the local union's secretary-treasurer, did not hold back his feelings, calling the company’s action "disgusting" and a "disgrace." The union has vowed to use all available means to ensure the affected workers are adequately compensated according to the union contract and the law.

Teamsters Local 727 has proposed a meeting this Wednesday with PepsiCo officials to discuss the closure and plan the way forward for the displaced workers.