Owner of SNE Fined for Improper Notice of Plant Closure; Appeal Filed
For the City-Times
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development has ordered the owner of a former window and door manufacturing plant to pay employees over $300k for failing to give workers proper notice of when the plant would close.
Medford-based Schield Family Brands announced late last year it planned to close SNE Enterprises factory in Mosinee this year, eliminating about 450 jobs.
The Oshkosh- based Carpenters Industrial Council said SNE failed to give a specific date for the mass layoffs, as required by state law.
The council filed a complaint this February with the DWD arguing that SNE’s notice that the layoffs would occur between Feb. 7 and Aug. 31 was not specific enough.
The DWD ruled that SNE must pay $319,335 to the 109 employees affected by the layoffs, and will also have to fork over a $30k fine for the mayor of Mosinee for not notifying the city of the impending layoffs.
SNE’s legal counselor Brandon Brunner said in a statement the state’s findings are incorrect, and he has filed an appeal. Typically, appeals take time, meaning none of the 109 employees affected should expect a check until the litigation is over.
The Schield Family Cos. include Weather Shield Manufacturing, SNE Enterprises and Peachtree Doors, including the Visions and Crestline brand names. The Medford based company operates manufacturing plants in Medford, Ladysmith and Park Falls.
They have closed plants in Mosinee Wisconsin, Huntington, West Virginia, Douglasville Georgia, and Logan Utah.