Washington-based Blue Bird Inc. filed a notice that 82 seasonal workers will be laid off as the production season ends in May 2026. The notice, however, states that employees do not have bumping rights.
Blue Bird, Inc., Files WARN Notice
Washington-based company Blue Bird, Inc., has filed a WARN notice with the Washington State Employment Security Department. The notice alerts Washington State officials about the planned seasonal layoffs, in compliance with the WARN Act. The notice provides a 60-day advance notice of the termination and lists the names, job titles, and addresses of the affected employees.
According to the notice filed, the layoff will affect 82 seasonal employees at the facility, including Line Workers, GL Line Workers, Box Machine Operators, Segregation staff, QC-Online employees, and Day and Night Sanitation teams.
The workers are not represented by a union, and the layoffs do not involve relocation or outsourcing. Affected employees cannot transfer into other positions at the company.
Reason for the Layoffs
The employees affected were hired for a seasonal period. This is tied to the harvest or processing period, where the facility requires a bigger workforce. The notice makes it clear that, although seasonal, the layoffs are permanent. The mass layoffs will begin on or after May 16, 2026.
The layoffs highlight the challenges of job stability in Washington’s seasonal agricultural industry.
About Blue Bird, Inc.
Blue Bird, Inc., is a fruit-growing and packing company based in Washington State. Founded in 1913, Blue Bird Inc. has been growing, packing, and selling pears, apples, and cherries for over 100 years.
The notice filed highlights the seasonal nature of employment in the agricultural sector. While the move aligns with standard seasonal operations, it still has a significant impact on the affected employees, highlighting the challenges of job stability in the industry.
