Rhode Island To Lose 100 Liz Claiborne Jobs

LINCOLN, R.I. (AP) — The union representing workers at Liz Claiborne Inc.'s warehouse in Lincoln say they've been informed the company is shutting down the facility this spring and moving operations elsewhere.

About 120 people work at the distribution center for the fashion company's jewelry division. In a statement, the company says about 100 people will be affected by the closure.

Warren Pepicelli, a negotiator for the union, the New England Joint Board of Unite Here, tells The Providence Journal that union officials are trying to reach a deal with the company on severance, health insurance and job training issues.

He says the union was told Liz Claiborne will begin winding down the operations in Lincoln in February. The distribution center, which opened in 1990, is slated to be closed by April 1.