WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller is imploring Rite Aid to reconsider its decision to close its distribution warehouse in Putnam County that employs 230 workers.
Rockefeller sent a letter Wednesday to Rite Aid President and CEO John Standley. Rockefeller told Standley he stood with the workers when Rite Aid explored the closing in 2009 and he’ll do the same now.
“Furthermore, I must also call into question whether or not the 64 stores in the area serviced by the Poca facility will be affected as a result of reduced inventory, travel time for products to be stocked, etc.,” Rockefeller said in the letter.
(Read Rockefeller letter here)
Rite Aid announced Sunday it would close the center by 2016. It said it would be too expensive to update it.
Rockefeller ended the letter by urging Rite Aid to reconsider the closure “and instead work with the State of West Virginia and my office to find a new, suitable location so that these employees can remain in West Virginia and on the job.”