Publix hires foreign workers (Says local residents don't want the jobs)

[Cass]

1:10 A.M. — At a time when Lee County’s unemployment rate is almost 14 percent and about 38,000 residents are jobless, Publix is paying people from South America to work at some of its Southwest Florida supermarkets.

For the last three years, Publix has hired hundreds of Peruvians and Brazilians for its stores in south Fort Myers and Naples during tourist season because the company says it can’t find locals to fill those spots.


The South American cashiers, baggers, deli, bakery and grocery clerks work part time at more than 20 area locations, said Publix spokeswoman Shannon Patten. The company began hiring them in late 2008, when Lee’s unemployment was about 6 percent.


“It is our experience that potential workers that live year ’round near our stores are interested in permanent jobs, not temporary ones,” Patten said.


Many Southwest Florida jobseekers and the people who help them disagree.

http://www.news-press.com/article/20100119/NEWS01/100118063/1075/Publix-hires-foreign-workers

This infuriates me. This area is consistently at or near the top of the list for foreclosures, the unemployment rate is very high and people are desperate for work.

:argh:

[unabelladonna]

1. i'm disappointed in publix

it's actually a very pleasant shopping experience(unfortunately no trader joe's). i live in SE florida and with the exception of super target it's the only decent place to shop for food.

[Dappleganger]

2. Our son works for Publix

we're in NE FL and he's been with them since he was 14, they've always been good to him. I'm very disappointed to hear this. Of course he's only part-time but I can only think of one week where he didn't have any hours. I also know quite a few who've been laid off from other jobs around here and Publix hires them fairly quickly and gives them decent hours.

[WinterParkDonkey]

3. This is very sad to hear.....

Publix has always had a reputation for being very fair and community minded.

[FreeJG]

4. that's bull....everyone has applied at publix that is laid off...