Absolut Care in Chautauqua County will close its facility on October 20, 2023, affecting 93 workers, as announced in August. The closure notice was filed with the New York State Department of Labor, which documented the impending layoffs. This decision comes shortly after a two-year labor agreement was established with the local union.
The facility, located at 26 Cass St. in Westfield, is one of four Absolut Care locations. While the Westfield site will shut down, the other facilities in Allegany, East Aurora, and Orchard Park remain operational. Notably, both Westfield and Allegany underwent a change in ownership last year, which raises questions about the stability of operations at these facilities.
In light of the closure, employees have expressed concern about their future employment and the impact on the local community. The loss of jobs at the Westfield facility will further strain the workforce in the area, which has already been facing economic challenges.
Local officials are expected to respond to the announcement, and there may be discussions regarding assistance programs for displaced workers. The situation highlights the ongoing issues faced by healthcare facilities in maintaining operations and providing job security in a challenging economic landscape.
As the closure date approaches, affected employees will likely seek new employment opportunities, and community support initiatives may emerge to help those impacted navigate this transition. The response from local stakeholders will be crucial in addressing the needs of the workforce as they face the consequences of this significant shift.
