ASHEBORO, N.C. – Klaussner Home Furnishings hit former employees with another round of shocking news Thursday when it informed the 884 people that their insurance benefits were being canceled a week earlier than anticipated.
The letter, obtained by Furniture Today from several different former employees, dated Thursday, Aug. 24, said the company had expected to maintain its employee benefits plan through the end of the month – Aug. 31. “However, because we remain unable to secure necessary funding, the company must now advise you that the Employee Benefits plan has terminated effected August 24, 2023,” the letter stated.
Klaussner announced its sudden closure Aug. 7 by posting a notice on its homepage saying its lender had refused to fund the company’s operations. The same day, the company filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
Sent to employees via email and U.S. Postal Service, the letter continued explaining to employees that they could opt into the federal Affordable Care Act. Signed by David Cybulski, as president and chief executive officer of the now-shuttered company, the communication offered information on two insurance brokers that may be able to assist employees.
“We understand that the presents another unexpected development in this already difficult situation,” the letter said. “We encourage you to promptly explore health insurance alternatives for yourself and your family.”