Pa. governor says he’s discussing financial incentives with Hershey to try to save plant jobs

Pa. governor says he’s trying to save Hershey jobs

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (ren-DEHL’) says he’s trying to stanch job losses at The Hershey Co.’s hometown plants.

Rendell said Thursday his administration has known for several weeks about the Hershey, Pa.-based candy maker’s plans to slash up to 600 jobs there. Talks with Hershey include financial incentives.

The move could eliminate more than one-third of the remaining union jobs at Hershey’s two hometown plants.

The company makes Almond Joy, Kit Kat and other candy. It wants to expand the West Hershey plant and leave just administrative offices in the original chocolate factory built by founder Milton Hershey.

The company announced its plans Tuesday in a tentative agreement with union negotiators. The union vote is Friday.

Hershey is threatening to move the expansion and jobs elsewhere if the union rejects the plan.