Sony discusses novel hiring practice
BROWNSVILLE – Sony Technologies is looking at some creative hiring practices to fill its part-time and seasonal positions. The pilot program was outlined Tuesday at the Greater Brownsville Chamber of Commerce meeting by Sony Human Resources manager Mecal Martin.
“We know there’s been a lot of concern that maybe the Sony market isn’t booming, but it is. We are looking for seasonal workers,” Martin said.
Martin said Sony’s peak season is August through January, when the company needs an extra 900 to 1,000 people on a temporary full-time or part-time basis. In past years, Sony has relied heavily on employees from temporary agencies, but the company is now looking for more workforce stability.
Martin said that while the majority of the temporary employees will still be hired through employment agencies, 200 to 300 will be hired as interim employees working full-time hours from August through January, with another 30 to 40 employees hired to fill part-time shifts of four to six hours each.
Martin said Sony is working with other area seasonal businesses, such as Nemacolin Woodlands and landscaping businesses whose peak season is the opposite of Sony’s for the interim employees.
Students and stay-at-home mothers are being recruited for the part-time positions. Martin said Sony is looking at alternative scheduling options to meet various lifestyles, such as offering a 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. shift for parents with school children.
Chamber President Frank Ricco, whose taxi company provides transportation for some of the Sony employees, said he sends cabs to the plant 24-hours a day. Martin said there are as many as 42 different shifts at the plant. Ricco said there are county funds available for job transportation for those who qualify.
In addition to the seasonal employees, Martin said there are 2,500 to 3,000 full-time employees at the Westmoreland County television factory. Martin said new full-time employees will be hired from among the interim employees, under the pilot program.
Martin said all full-time and part-time Sony employees receive health, pension, Sony Store and rate progression benefits, though the benefits are prorated, depending on the number of hours worked. Martin said there will also be incentive pay for employees who work the entire time from August through January.
In other matters, John Evans of the Fayette County Career Link said Monday’s turnout for the job fair for the new prison in Luzerne Township was good, despite limited hours. Evans said some 250 people applied for jobs during the four-hour session Monday. The application process will continue through Friday.
Ricco said the chamber will continue its tradition of hosting the annual fireworks display on July 3 at Brownsville-Luzerne Park.
Country music radio station Froggy will be broadcasting live from the park starting at 7 p.m., with activities planned for the children.
There are still tickets available for the annual dinner-dance river cruise sponsored by the chamber. The cruise will be held June 25, leaving from the new Brownsville Wharf.