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Charles River Laboratories

Engaged Employer

Management is nothing more than a few high school graduates who've put in their decades with the company. - Animal Care Technician I Charles River Laboratories Employee Review

1.0
Nov 6, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you can stick it out (years), you will eventually end up making a good paycheck and they offer good benefits. The women in the front office are very kind and helpful. It was always a pleasure to see and speak with them. There are also a few good supervisors at this company but they are truly few and far between.

Cons

The job is very physical and demanding. Most people at the plant are just horrible to each other and go out of their way to be difficult and hurtful to one another. Most supervisiors look the other way, or, they are the worst offenders of them all when it comes to bad behavior. I've known workers, both men and women, who have been brought to tears because of the Bully in charge. Good work reviews are given to lousy workers because some supervisors are whimps, and in turn that hurts the team (but they don't care). SOP's are ignored and so is the humane treatment of the animals. If you tell anyone about it (which you're supposed to do) it is ignored as well. Charles River Labs is a company that says it will not tolerate harassment of any kind. Yet harassment runs rampant there, starting at the top within management and trickling down to the lowly peons. If management has an issue with you, they will go out of their way to give you a hard time at every bend in the road. The opposite is true if management likes you, well then, you're the golden child. Favoritism runs the show and brown nosing takes a close 2nd.

Explore other reviews about Charles River Laboratories

5.0
Jun 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great place to work. Work/life balance is best I've been part of.

Cons

Very big company, don't always know who to go to

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Charles River Laboratories Response
2w
We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying your time at Charles River! Your contributions make a difference, and we’re grateful to have you on the team.
2.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people you work with under the leadership level are great and truly try their best every day to do the best job they possibly can.

Cons

Everyone is severely underpaid for the amount of work they’re expected to do. People will quit/be fired/laid off and no additional help is provided. Those who remain are expected to pick up all of the slack. Leadership is variable on the day-to-day but you never truly feel supported or like your problems are taken seriously enough to resolve. Individuals are actively urged not to present counter job offers as a way to negotiate higher pay or a different position because “the site head doesn’t like it”.

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