NeighborsFriday, November 6
Pawtucket's leaders demand an apology from Hasbro and haven't heard back
The 5AM North Providence team
Mayor Donald Grebien and City Council President Terrence Mercer say they hand-delivered a letter to Hasbro's board last week. It calls CEO Chris Cocks' comments "condescending and dismissive" and asks for a formal public apology.
Cocks spoke with WBUR on Oct. 21. He said that when you order Uber Eats in Pawtucket, the food gets cold because "it traveled for about 40 minutes to get to you." As of Nov. 5, Pawtucket said it hadn't heard back.
Hasbro hasn't answered Pawtucket as of Nov. 5
- Oct. 21Cocks gives WBUR interview about Hasbro's move to Boston.
- Oct. 27Gov. Dan McKee criticizes Cocks' comments on NBC 10.
- Nov. 5Pawtucket says it still hasn't received a response from Hasbro.
- JanuaryHasbro will relocate its headquarters to Boston.
- Pawtucket also wants transparency on plans for 1027 Newport Ave.
- Hasbro's new home: Boston's Seaport, with the move set for January
Speaking Tuesday, Oct. 27, McKee said some people on their way out think they can "just trash the state of Rhode Island." He named FM, Fidelity, Breeze, and General Dynamics as companies that have chosen to expand or set down more roots here.
Nearly 600Hasbro employees at the Pawtucket facility
The letter says they face painful decisions about long interstate commutes or employment termination just before the holidays.