Lagana, Swain and Tully Issue Statement Condemning Mondelez Plant Closure in Fair Lawn

Paramus, NJ – Senator Joseph Lagana, Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, and Assemblyman Chris Tully have released the following statement condemning the planned corporate closure of the Mondelez plant in Fair Lawn:

“We are saddened that, despite the efforts of local, state and federal leaders, employees, and the community at large, Mondelez International has announced they will close their iconic Fair Lawn plant after more than 60 years of operation. Generations of North Jersey residents fondly remember driving near the site and enjoying the smell of cookies being baked throughout the day that would be shipped and enjoyed across the nation. 

“More importantly, thousands of North Jersey residents made a good living working there. Those jobs, which have supported families from District 38 and the surrounding area, are being lost due to corporate greed. We condemn the choice to cut ties with a community that so proudly supported and contributed to the success of Mondelez/Nabisco. 

“This decision comes on the back of a report by CNBC last month showing that Mondelez International’s revenues beat estimates in the last quarter. It’s outrageous but sadly not surprising to see them value greater profits over people who have dedicated their lives to the Mondelez/Nabisco brand in Fair Lawn, even as the company enjoys success under current conditions.

“During our strong advocacy and the work of many others, the decision to leave was clearly made well in advance of talks with members of the community under the pretense of an ongoing discussion. Mondelez’s announcement has turned the lives of so many upside down and we share the absolute outrage and disgust in this decision. 

“We stand with the residents of Fair Lawn and all of the employees of the plant, including the brothers and sisters of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers’ International Union (BCTGM), and remain committed to working with local officials in Fair Lawn to advocate for all hard working friends, families and neighbors affected by this devastating decision and will do all we can to help move our community forward during the challenging weeks and months ahead.”