By Olivia Scheck
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Pfizer, the pharmaceutical giant, will lay off or relocate between 800 and 1,400 New York City workers, the New York Times reported Tuesday.
The drug company also put its building at 685 Third Ave. up for sale, according to the paper.
Pfizer, which received $12 in tax breaks from the city in exchange for 2,000 new jobs in 2003, may have to pay the government twice that amount if it dismisses more than 450 workers.
"Should the company reduce its workforce here below thresholds described in our agreements with Pfizer, we would certainly ensure that the City recovers the value of the benefits it gave the company to grow its workforce,” David Lombino, a spokesman for the New York City Economic Development Corporation, said in a statement.
While a Pfizer representative refused to say how many positions would be lost, she confirmed that they had spoken to the city about repaying the benefits, according to the Times.
Pfizer, which closed its original manufacturing plant in Brooklyn in 2008, said its world headquarters at 235 East 42nd Street will remain open, according to the paper.
