Rite Aid to cut N.Y. warehouse jobs

New York Rite Aid Corp. will begin shutting down a central New York distribution center in 2011, affecting nearly 400 employees.

Company officials say layoffs will begin in January and the Rome facility is expected to close by July. Union officials are negotiating severance pay based on seniority.

The 388 workers will be offered the chance to apply for 60 jobs available at a distribution center in suburban Syracuse. Others could be transferred to warehouses elsewhere on the East Coast.

Rite Aid says the Rome facility opened in 1972 and needs extensive repairs. The closing is part of the company's consolidation of its facilities.