COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Mersen Manufacturing plant is set to furlough 80% of its Columbia, Tennessee workforce.

The furloughs were announced there weeks before the Christmas holiday. Twenty-five percent of the workforce was permanently laid off as of Dec. 15.

This is the same facility that recently underwent a $70 million expansion that was funded by state taxpayers with the promise that it would come with stable jobs.

In response to the furloughs and layoffs, the workers' union representing those affected has filed an unfair labor practice charge. They're accusing Mersen of violating federal labor law and betraying commitments to the community.

"This is a betrayal of Tennessee workers and taxpayers," said Carl Kennebrew, President of IUE-CWA. "The public invested in Mersen with the promise of good, stable jobs for this community. Instead, Mersen is slashing jobs right before the holidays while raking in record sales and increased profitability."