RALEIGH, N.C. — In a shocking turn of events, FedEx has announced the closure of a major shipping center in Durham and the laying off of employees at a facility in Raleigh, as detailed in a report from the N.C. Department of Commerce. The closures and layoffs, set to begin February 3, 2025, will impact a total of 341 workers across the two locations.
The Durham shipping center, located at 2311 Englert Drive, will close permanently, affecting 123 employees. Meanwhile, the facility at 4301 Atlantic Avenue in Raleigh will lay off 218 employees, marking a significant workforce reduction for the global shipping giant in the Triangle area.
The news broke when the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act filings were posted this week, requiring companies to notify employees and the state about impending closures or mass layoffs under certain circumstances.
FedEx has yet to provide a formal statement regarding the layoffs or the reasoning behind these closures. CBS 17 has reached out to the company for comment but has not received a response as of publication.
A Devastating Impact on the Community
The announcement has left employees and their families grappling with uncertainty during the holiday season. For many, the timing is particularly cruel, as they now face the challenge of finding new employment in a tightening labor market.
“It’s like the rug has been pulled out from under us,” said a worker from the Durham location, speaking anonymously. “We gave so much to this company, and now we’re being discarded without a second thought.”
The layoffs also have broader implications for the Triangle’s economy. FedEx’s presence has been a key component of the logistics infrastructure in the region, and these closures could disrupt supply chains for local businesses.
Corporate Strategy or Broken Promises?
Industry analysts speculate that these layoffs may be part of a broader cost-cutting strategy as FedEx adjusts to shifting demand in the shipping and logistics sector. However, the lack of transparency has sparked criticism, with some accusing the company of abandoning its commitment to the region.
“This is a failure of corporate responsibility,” said a local labor advocate. “FedEx owes its workers and the community more than a sudden notice. They should be providing support for retraining and job placement, not just shutting the doors.”
What’s Next for Workers?
Under the WARN Act, affected employees are entitled to advance notice of layoffs and may qualify for retraining assistance through state programs. Local officials have vowed to support displaced workers.
The N.C. Department of Commerce is expected to coordinate with workforce development agencies to provide resources, but for many employees, the path ahead remains uncertain.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on FedEx to see if the company steps up to support the workers it is leaving behind.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to the Bull City Citizen.
