News Summary
TCGplayer, a trading card company recently acquired by eBay, will close its downtown Syracuse office this summer, affecting 220 employees. The layoffs are focused on those hired after July 2021, citing space and financial issues. The decision has sparked strong reactions from employees rallying against perceived union-busting tactics as they face job losses. The union has filed an unfair labor practice charge, while community members advocate for affected workers’ rights and fair treatment amidst rising tensions.
Syracuse – TCGplayer, a trading card company recently acquired by eBay, has announced that it will close its downtown Syracuse office this summer, resulting in 220 layoffs. The news has prompted a significant response from employees, who are rallying against the company’s decision and its implications on their union.
The layoffs will specifically affect employees who were hired after July 1, 2021, with those individuals set to be laid off on June 20. Employees hired prior to that date will face layoffs on July 18. Remote employees based in Syracuse will remain unaffected by these layoffs.
TCGplayer’s leadership has cited both space constraints and ongoing financial losses as the primary reasons for the office closure. However, workers are alleging that the company is attempting to undermine their newly established union, which was created following a 61% vote in favor of unionization in March 2023. Employees claim that the company did not disclose its intentions for mass layoffs during contract negotiations.
In light of the situation, the union has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against TCGplayer. Workers like Richard Vallejo, who has been with the company for six years, have expressed disappointment over the issues related to employee pay—indicating that there have been no increases for nearly four years. Another employee, Matthew Schlicht, has reported feeling emotional distress due to the recent developments and has criticized an increase in security presence within the office, which he believes contributes to a hostile work environment.
Since its founding in 2008, TCGplayer has transformed from a small startup to a significant player in the trading card market, reaching a valuation of approximately $295 million following its acquisition by eBay in 2022. New York state’s Empire State Development agency played a role in this growth, providing TCGplayer with $600,000 in capital and grants over the years. Additionally, the company was offered up to $2.4 million through the Excelsior Jobs tax credit program but only received $276,000 before the agreement was terminated due to unmet employment milestones.
City auditor Alexander Marion has publicly condemned TCGplayer’s treatment of its employees and has urged the company to return taxpayer money given the scale of layoffs. The community’s reaction to the closure remains strong, with many citizens rallying behind affected workers to advocate for their rights and fair treatment.
The closure of TCGplayer’s Syracuse office and the resulting layoffs signal a challenging period for both the company and its workforce. The employees continue to express their concerns, seeking transparency and fair practices from their employer while attempting to navigate an uncertain future amidst reports of union-busting tactics.
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