A mass layoff of Sears employees will occur this winter as a result of the St. Paul Rice Street location shutdown.

The previously announced closing will affect 80 workers. After filing for bankruptcy in mid-October, Sears informed the state in of their permanent closing and layoff of employees, set to begin around Dec. 31.

The layoffs will be held in a 14-day period thereafter.

These workers are not represented by a union and do not have bumping rights, or privileges granted to more senior employees, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic development.