300+ Layoffs Pending Amid Shutdown Of FL Walgreens Distribution Center

ORLANDO, FL — The popular pharmacy and food mart Walgreens plans to close its Orlando distribution center, where 324 employees are set to be laid off, the company recently said.

The closure of Walgreens' distribution center, located at 2455 Premier Row, is part of a workforce reduction plan, the company said in a WARN notice filed Thursday with the Florida Commerce.

The expected permanent closure is due to Walgreens working to "build business momentum and improve the efficiency of our operations," the company said in the WARN notice.

While layoffs are expected to begin on or about May 17, Walgreens said a 60-day notice from Thursday was set to sent to workers.

"All affected employees will remain employed and receive their full compensation and benefits for the entire 60-day period or until they resign, whichever occurs first. We expect these reductions in force to be permanent, and we will provide all affected employees with the opportunity to participate in on-site career fairs and/or outplacement services to assist with their transition to other employment," Walgreens said in the WARN notice.

The company's staff members are not represented by a union, according to the notice.

The closure and layoffs come months after Walgreens staff implemented three walkouts nationally in fall 2023, with a call that the popular pharmacy better "harsh work conditions" that could cause a risk to their health while they fill prescriptions, CNN reported.

A Walgreens representative told CNN in the past that it was improving its workplace for pharmacy workers, the outlet reported.

Read more about what Walgreens had to say via CNN.