--- title: "WE Soda Announces 350 Layoffs as Green River Community Responds" canonical: "https://www.metaintro.com/blog/we-soda-layoffs-350-2026" language: "en" author: "metaintro" published: "2026-11-13T22:30:12.000Z" modified: "2026-11-13T22:30:12.000Z" --- [Back to Blog](/blog) [News](/blog/tag/news)[Layoffs](/blog/tag/layoffs)[Manufacturing Industry](/blog/tag/manufacturing-industry)[USA](/blog/tag/usa) # WE Soda Announces 350 Layoffs as Green River Community Responds WE Soda announced 350 layoffs in Green River over the next two years, prompting community support and efforts to find local employment. [![Brad Larson](https://cdn.metaintro.com/rs:fill:40:40/q:72/plain/images/brad-larson-headshot.png)Brad Larson Founder & Editor](/blog/author/bradlarson) [November 13, 2026](/blog/archive/2026/11)6 min read ![A bright office floor with packed cardboard boxes on desks and a city skyline beyond](https://cdn.metaintro.com/rs:fill:1200:675/q:78/plain/images/final-10315.jpg) [https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=WE%20Soda%20Announces%20350%20Layoffs%20as%20Green%20River%20Community%20Responds&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fwe-soda-layoffs-350-2026](https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=WE%20Soda%20Announces%20350%20Layoffs%20as%20Green%20River%20Community%20Responds&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fwe-soda-layoffs-350-2026)[http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fwe-soda-layoffs-350-2026](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fwe-soda-layoffs-350-2026)[https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fwe-soda-layoffs-350-2026&title=WE%20Soda%20Announces%20350%20Layoffs%20as%20Green%20River%20Community%20Responds](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fwe-soda-layoffs-350-2026&title=WE%20Soda%20Announces%20350%20Layoffs%20as%20Green%20River%20Community%20Responds)[mailto:?subject=WE%20Soda%20Announces%20350%20Layoffs%20as%20Green%20River%20Community%20Responds&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fwe-soda-layoffs-350-2026](mailto:?subject=WE%20Soda%20Announces%20350%20Layoffs%20as%20Green%20River%20Community%20Responds&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fwe-soda-layoffs-350-2026) WE Soda announced [announced 350 layoffs](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/), according to coverage published November 13, 2026, with [Green River braces for the loss of 350 jobs at WE Soda over the next two years](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/) describing the location and timeline. The announcement came [announced the layoffs last week](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). At [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com), we track layoffs, store closures and return-to-office mandates in our [layoffs tracker](https://www.metaintro.com/layoffs). ## How Many Jobs Are Being Cut? The scale of the announcement is [WE Soda announced 350 layoffs](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). The employment impact extends [over the next two years](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/), making the announcement relevant both to workers preparing for a transition and to those seeking support while remaining employed. Union representation is part of the response. Marshal Cummings is [president of United Steelworkers Local 13214, which represents the WE Soda workers facing layoffs](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). His immediate focus is [getting into negotiations with the company to come up with a proposal to save some WE Soda jobs](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). For job seekers, that puts preparation and workplace communication alongside the public response. Keeping employment records organized, maintaining contact with representatives and identifying transferable skills are practical steps during a transition. ## Which Communities Are Responding? The local response included [hundreds of cars made their way to the road leading to the Westvaco mine and plant at 6 a.m.](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). Participants showed solidarity through [people flashing their emergency lights and standing out along the road with handwritten signs protesting the layoffs](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). Support extended beyond employees. The gathering [included a number of families and individuals with no direct connection to the mine, as well as several local elected officials](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). Mi Casita contributed through [providing free coffee to participants](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). Churches also organized [a community evening of prayer, which was hosted at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Rock Springs on Monday night](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). Rachael Cummings explained that [the prayer night was organized for anyone, regardless of their beliefs](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). ## Why Is The Announcement Drawing Government Attention? The market issue identified in the coverage is [China's role in the market, which WE Soda pointed to as a factor contributing to the changes in how the mine operates and the resulting layoffs](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). Gov. Mark Gordon and Gov.-elect Eric Barlow said there was a need to [understand the pressures facing the trona industry](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). Their response included [working to mobilize resources for the families and communities that will feel the brunt of these decisions](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). At the federal level, John Barrasso and Chuck Gray shared statements about [their desire to work with the current administration and Congress to protect and support the Wyoming soda ash industry](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). Cummings described his priority plainly: [Our membership will always come first](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). For affected workers, the immediate practical focus remains employment planning and access to support while those discussions continue. ## What Employment Opportunities Are Being Developed? BCS Mechanical [moved up its timeline after WE Soda announced the layoffs last week](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). The contractor provides [HVAC, sheet metal, building automation controls, plumbing and design-build engineering services](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). Chad Hustad said the business [hopes to hire 20 to 30 people over the next six months](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). Its expansion includes [plans to open an office in Green River](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/), and it has already [hired Strat Friel, a former engineer at FMC Trona Mine and a Green River local](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). Training is also part of the effort. Hustad said [the company wants to train people to fill those roles, including some who are losing their jobs at the mines](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). He [signed an agreement Thursday with the Plumbers and Pipefitters union in Cheyenne](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). ## What Support Is Being Organized? City and county leaders said [they will be working with multiple partners to help affected employees identify available resources and employment opportunities](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). Their stated goal was [every possible opportunity to remain in Southwest Wyoming](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). The broader economic response includes [actively recruiting new industries and expanding the range of economic opportunities available in Sweetwater County](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). Rock Springs Mayor Max Mickelson also encouraged residents to [remain connected and supportive in general](https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/community-rallies-to-support-those-impacted-by-proposed-we-soda-layoffs/article_43e6096f-2bf1-4141-af40-e6eb655c85bc.html). ## What Should Affected Workers Do Next? - **Request written details.** Ask for your employment timeline and any transition documents in writing. Keep copies somewhere you can access outside work. - **Review your finances.** List essential expenses and review your available savings. Contact creditors early if you need to discuss payment arrangements. - **Update your resume.** Describe your skills through specific responsibilities and accomplishments. Save examples of training and certifications that you are permitted to retain. - **Ask about support.** Contact your workplace representative or local employment service for guidance. Prepare questions about benefits, training and application assistance before your conversation. - **Compare opportunities carefully.** Review pay, schedules, benefits and training requirements together. Ask prospective employers to explain the work and hiring process before making commitments. - **Stay connected.** Tell trusted contacts what kinds of work you are seeking. Make time for personal support as well as applications and interviews. ## Related Articles - [Wells Fargo Cuts 24 Jobs at Its Jordan Creek Campus](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/wells-fargo-layoffs-24-2026) - [MEGA Cuts 20% of Staff as It Shifts Toward AI Inference Products](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/mega-layoffs-20-percent-2026) - [MW Components Plans Logansport Facility Closure Affecting Approximately 95 Employees](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/mw-components-store-closures-95-employees-2026) - [American Sale To Close All Stores After Ownership Deal Falls Through](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/american-sale-store-closures-2026) ## People Also Asked ### Q: How Many Jobs Is WE Soda Cutting? A: The announcement is [WE Soda announced 350 layoffs](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/), with the losses described as occurring [over the next two years](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). ### Q: Who Represents The Workers Facing Layoffs? A: Marshal Cummings is [president of United Steelworkers Local 13214, which represents the WE Soda workers facing layoffs](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). His priority includes negotiations aimed at saving jobs. ### Q: What Local Hiring Plans Have Been Announced? A: BCS Mechanical [hopes to hire 20 to 30 people over the next six months](https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/11/12/utah-company-expanding-to-green-river-promising-union-jobs-amid-we-soda-cuts/). The company is pursuing local work and developing training with unions. Looking for your next opportunity? [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com) brings together 50M jobs in one place. 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