Gary Phelan on Melissa in the Morning Addresses Schick Plant Closure and Rising Layoffs
11/18/2025HS&S Employment attorney Gary Phelan joined Melissa in the Morning to discuss the announced closure of the Schick manufacturing plant in Milford and what it signals about the broader labor market. The plant’s parent company, Edgewell Personal Care, plans to shut down the facility by the end of 2027, a move that will result in 293 layoffs. The first group of employees is expected to be affected in March 2026.
During the conversation, Phelan placed the local news in a national context, pointing to a dramatic increase in layoffs across the country in 2025. Manufacturing, technology, and financial services are seeing sustained job losses, driven by rapid workplace changes tied to artificial intelligence, rising costs linked to tariffs, slowing job creation, and persistent economic uncertainty. He noted that while large plant closures make headlines, similar cuts are happening quietly at small and mid-sized employers.
Phelan offered clear guidance for workers facing job loss. He advised employees not to react emotionally or rush into negotiations, and instead to carefully review severance terms, accrued benefits, and potential legal considerations. He emphasized the value of updating resumes, building new skills, and using professional networks, particularly during the holidays when informal connections can lead to new opportunities. Just as importantly, he highlighted the need to take care of mental health and establish a routine after a layoff.
For those still employed, Phelan encouraged ongoing skill development and adaptability. In a rapidly changing job market, he said, staying relevant and prepared can make a critical difference, even when layoffs are beyond an individual’s control.