Layoffs at Shaw's - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Layoffs at Shaw's

700 Shaw's Supermarket employees will lose their jobs in the coming days. Every single store will feel an impact, George Richard worked  at the Shaw's in Waterbury for nearly ten years. He managed the frozen food section, that is until his boss laid him off Friday. Before working at Shaw's he worked at the Grand Union for 32 years, his whole career has been in the grocery business. "I kept the shelves neat, organized and updated I took a lot of pride in my work," George Richard said. Now he's unemployed, he'll receive no severance from Shaw's while he gets back on his feet.

Richard says he's turning to his family for strength, "My dad who is 89 years old, he always taught me when I was young to be strong, I have that strength, he taught me that," Richard said.

Shaw's corporate offices would not allow any local representatives to speak on camera about this decision, instead the president of Shaw's, Mike Stigers, released this statement. "A decision of this nature is never easy, but after careful evaluation, it is unfortunately the necessary step for us to take to help improve our business, reduce expenses and reinvest in more customer-facing initiatives."

Richard says he's keeping a positive attitude, he even has a new career in mind. "Do something you've always wanted to do, I love country music" he said. Back in the 80's Richard says he met his idol, Johnny Cash, he says he sees this job loss as an opportunity, he hopes to become a local performer. So move over Shaw's Supermarket, look out Johnny Cash, George Richard is ready for the next step in his career.