AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT SK BATTERY AMERICA

Commerce, Georgia-based SK Battery America, a subsidiary of SK On that produces high-energy-density lithium-ion battery cells for major automotive partners, has announced a major reduction in force at its Commerce plant.

The reduction impacted 958 employees.

According to a company statement, "To align operations to market conditions, SK Battery America has made the difficult decision to reduce our workforce. We appreciate employees' contributions and will work with those affected during this transition. SK Battery America remains committed to Georgia and to building a robust U.S. supply chain for advanced battery manufacturing. We are pursuing a range of future customers, including the Battery Energy Storage System arena."

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT SAFARI WEST

Santa Rosa, California-based Safari West, a 400-acre private wildlife preserve and park, home to more than 900 animals, including giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, cheetahs, monkeys, and flamingos, has announced a major reduction in force as it transitions to a California nonprofit public benefit corporation.

The personnel realignment will impact 134 employees.

According to founder Dr. Nancy Lang, “Safari West has always been about more than visiting animals. It is about caring for them, learning from them, and protecting the natural world we share. By moving forward under nonprofit stewardship, we are strengthening the foundation that will allow Safari West to serve wildlife and our community for generations to come."

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT BLUEOVAL SK

Glendale, Kentucky-based BlueOval SK, a partnership/joint venture created in 2021 between Ford Motor Company and SK On that produces batteries for electric Ford and Lincoln vehicles at battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee, has announced a reduction in force at its Stanton, Tennessee, battery manufacturing facility.

The reduction will impact 150 employees.

According to a company statement, "As you know, at the end of 2025, Ford Motor Company and SK On announced that the joint venture between them is being restructured. This resulted in the permanent closure of BlueOval SK's plant in Kentucky. At this time, BlueOval SK has determined that it will significantly reduce operations at the Tennessee plant in the coming months. Unfortunately, therefore, I must inform you that BlueOval SK is permanently terminating approximately 150 employees at the plant located in Stanton, TN. Employment terminations will begin on or about May 5, 2026."

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?