Recent loss of baseball licenses causes layoffs
By Mike Freeman, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 5:53 p.m.
Reeling from the loss of its license with Major League Baseball, Carlsbad card and collectibles maker Upper Deck has slashed its staff by 119 workers, according to state records.
The company notified the state Employment Development Department of the layoffs through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, or WARN, filing. The job cuts become effective May 10.
This latest round of layoffs comes on top of 33 positions that were eliminated in January.
“Due to recent changes in Upper Deck’s license portfolio, the company was forced to make some tough decisions regarding its work force,” spokesman Terry Melia said. “Staff cuts were necessary to right-size the company to ensure long-term sustainability.”
Upper Deck provided workers with 60 days’ notice, so many have probably left the company. Upper Deck said jobs were eliminated across the board.
The company declined to say how many employees remain. Upper Deck is believed to have employed from 300 to 400 workers before the layoffs, based on data from the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and other sources.
“It’s safe to say that Upper Deck still employs more people within its trading card division than any of its competitors. And in today’s economy, that’s saying something,” Melia said.
The layoffs, coupled with lawsuit settlements and the loss of licensing agreements with major sports leagues, have industry watchers wondering what’s in store for a firm that ranks near the top of the collectibles industry.
“At this point, I don’t think anybody would be surprised by anything that would happen,” said Tracy Hackler, publisher of Dallas-based trading card magazine Beckett. “This is no doubt a watershed moment for (Chief Executive Richard McWilliam) and Upper Deck.”
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click here. The San Diego Union Tribune
Upper Deck cuts 119 workers off payroll
May 8 2010, 08:33 AM
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