Bashas’ grocery store chain has laid off 350 workers citing stiff competition and a tough economy.
The layoffs amount to nearly 3 percent of its work force.
The Chandler-based grocer employs about 13,000.
The Arizona Republic Web site says employees were not given severance packages.
Bashas’ spokeswoman Kristy Nied says the company is facing fierce competition and the current economic recession as it battles on several fronts for future viability and profitability.
The company also accused a grocery workers union of interfering with the company’s business.
United Food and Commercial Workers local 99 President Jim McLaughlin says it’s often a convenient excuse to blame it on the workers when it’s the management that holds responsibility.
Plans floated to reopen San Manuel Mine as part of regional copper development
