BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- A union representative says Bobcat Co. is offering severance packages to about 100 hourly employees at its Bismarck plant before its six-week shutdown starts in December.
Jeremy Bauer heads the Bismarck United Steelworkers Union Local 560. He says the offer is required before a temporary layoff, under the union contract. But he worries that if the number of takers is too small, it could mean forced layoffs.
Bauer says the company, which makes light construction equipment, is offering severance packages according to how many years an employee has worked.
Bobcat officials have not returned calls seeking comment.
Bobcat Co., is owned by South Korea-based Doosan Infracore International. Its plants in Gwinner and Bismarck make skid-steer loaders, mini track loaders and Toolcat utility work machines.
