Between a rock and a hard place


ruttinbuc

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Was just notified that the company I worked for is offering a severance package if we give up our recall rights. It does not look good for ever going back and the money although not a bundle would help right now. They just built a plant in Mexico and plan to only use the plant I worked in as a showcase with a minimal workforce. I am way down on the list as it is. I have 14 days to decide..:confused:

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Dang Mike...tough decision to make.

If you think you won't ever get called back because of their future with Mexico, then take the dough. If you think there is hope, hang in there.

It would come in handy this time of year no?

Heck if you want to get away. Come on up to my deer camp for a week or so. Let the solace of the Catskills help ya make that tough decision:).

Hope it works out for ya bud.

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Thanks guys, It is just hard to take these people at face value. They have lied time and time again. A crystal ball would help, but who knows what is going to be happening in 4 years. Do they dupe us into taking the money and then turn around in a couple of years and rehire another crew at circus elephant wages? Do you retain your recall rights and they call you back, but at a lower tier rate? Do I throw in the towel and move on? It is not like I ever had the money to start.

I'd like to take you up on that offer at some point Anthony. If I kill a buck with my bow between now and next week I'll seriously consider taking the ride up there. Thanks again.

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Mike - I understand what you are going through. I went through the same thing back in 2004. Worked there for 24 years and they instituted mandatory layoffs during slow production. Offered the same type of package you are speaking of. Opted for the package, good thing too because a year later the ones who did not take the package were let go with a smaller package and the company went to an almost all temp workforce. It is a tough decision to make and it has not been easy but my wife and kids say I am an easier person to live with since no longer working there. Of course not having a steady income is no picnic either, but I do enjoy making my knives and hopefully I will find something to generate a little more steady income soon.

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Thanks again for your feelings on this matter guys. I sat all day in the deer woods and pretty much come to the conclusion that this place is going the way of Bethlehem Steel and Ingersoll Rand. They pretty much did the same thing that is happening now. Ross going through the same thing really convinces me to take the money and not look back. If anything it was just a job. I really did hate it at times, but it paid the bills and allowed me to manage a reasonable lifestyle. I always did my share and took pride in that. I knew going in I was just a number. Showed their true colors in the way they dealt out their hand. Yes, they suck! Almost every weekend for 15 years, a fight for vacation days and the boot on the neck feeling....

My considerations now are my age and where that might trip me up in finding work to at least survive on. You always want to be an optimist, but with the way things are going in this economy it is not hard to look at the sour view. Thanks again, everyone. I know that when one door closes another one opens. Just a little hard finding it right now.

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Man, that sucks Mike. No way could I give you advice, other that to just go with your heart. What kind of plant is it? Just curious. I just about feel like my days are numbered, all of our competitors have moved south of the border, and if we don't diversify I think we're doomed. I used to work a lot in Mexico, but sure dont want to go back anytime soon.

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Man, that sucks Mike. No way could I give you advice, other that to just go with your heart. What kind of plant is it? Just curious. I just about feel like my days are numbered, all of our competitors have moved south of the border, and if we don't diversify I think we're doomed. I used to work a lot in Mexico, but sure dont want to go back anytime soon.

www.victaulic.com

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Looks like an impressive line-up of components they have. Such a shame to see it move south. I dont know where things will ever bottom out. All these jobs going to Mexico, all the Mexicans coming here. Heck we only have two plants, and one of them is half Hispanic now, cuz nobody wants to work or can pass the drug screen, so we have a bunch of temps.

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Mike take your severance and don't look back buddy. You've been off far too long....and not by choice. Your industry is simply failing in this country. Just like you said, when one door closes, anothe opens. I wish you the best in your decision no matter what it is. Alls you can do to make the right decision is hand it over to God. He'll lead ya where ya need to go....if you do choose to stay, I hope the steel industry picks back up! Keep us informed buddy!

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mike, you're in a solid liberal state and one of the worst economies in the nation. the chances of business coming back are miniscule. that's why your company moved to mexico. i don't look for change for lots of years, if ever. take the money and move somewhere where you stand a chance of getting a job.

Our views are one and the same, Steve. Been looking around the country in areas I think I might be fit with my wants and needs. Just a matter of finding something I can do.

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