Nearly 1,100 Apply For Joliet Grocery Jobs
JOLIET, Ill. (CBS/WBBM) -- Nearly 1,100 people turned out to apply for 50 full-time jobs Wednesday at a Joliet grocery distribution center.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Pat Cassidy reports, the Central Grocers distribution center in Joliet is offering the jobs. They are union positions with benefits.
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Many of those who lined up for the jobs say they have been out of work for some time, and are looking for the kind of jobs Central Grocers is offering, with a wage of $10 to start, going to $22 after 16 months.
Central Grocers has been growing amid the weak economy. That's partly because it's taken over business from Certified Grocers, which used to supply independent grocers in the Chicago area.
Chief Executive James Denges says he expects to hire 100 people to fill the 50 jobs, because half of those hired will not stay.
Denges says it's tough work, often in a refrigerated part of the building. But for the desperate, it's good for the paycheck.
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