Second shift, last time at GM

Looks Like St Souis is the next to fall, First with the anouncement Anheuser-Busch The company plans to reduce its salaried work force by as many as 1,300 allong with other cuts.
And todays announcement of Chrysler to lay off 2,400 plus just like Janesville the parts suppliers will be letting folks go as well.
And just like Janesville the River is just starting to go back down.

Link is broken.

chad_vader or any of the other GM employees on here: Read this article (by following the link)from less than 9 months ago....how can GM now wiggle out of this by closing Janesville? I've thought it was odd all along that GM was closing Janesville after that was such a sticking point (job security) with the UAW and taking over the health care fund.
.
Also, anyone know when (days, times) the plant is offering tours? Obviously it won't be in July.....
.
Here's the link:
http://www.gazetteextra.com/autotalks092......

I looked up moron in the dictionary and saw a picture of piterboy. Can't believe that someone has such a boring life they have to make one up, and a depressing, meaningless one at that!Please, don't be in denial that you have no life!

I just can't believe how people call GM workers arrogant with fancy things etc.. First off, if you make good $$ is it so bad to have nicer things?? Sounds like jealousy to me. I'm an only child of a retired GMr and my folks were FAR from being arrogant. We had a 1,200 sq. foot ranch,1 car,and nothing fancy about it. We didn't have a boat or a camper, never went on big trips. We vacationed in the northwoods and lived a pretty simple life. So, quit using the blanket statement of arrogance and showy people, because that's not always the case. Who said they get 2 years of pay? It all depends on how long you worked there.

Gotcha.

Spunkmeyer: I'm just teasing here. It's a slow weekend for news and I don't feel like doing my housework, so here I am!

lilbit,,,,,,,,,,YES I PERSONELLY KNOW THE PEOPLE AT G.M...YES YES YES.....WORKED THERE, BOTH SHIFTS ALL DEPARTMENTS...THEY WERE IN DENIAL....YES THE PLANT WILL CLOSE, NO THEY ALL SAID BECAUSE DADDY WORKED THERE IT WOULD NEVER CLOSE...IT IS NOT HATRED AS YOU STATED....NOT AT ALL. IT IS DENIAL ATTITUDE THAT BOGGLES PEOPLES MINDS....THE ECSTATIC PART IS LIKE I SAID BEFORE.......THOSE PEOPLE HAVE TO MAKE A LIFELONG DECISION NOW...FINALLY! FINANCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY. THEY ALWAYS THOUGHT THEY WOULD NEVER CLOSE THE OLE PLANT....HELLO.........TRANSFER OUT IT IS NOT A BIG DEAL..........I BET THEY ALSO BELIEVE THE PENSION FUND WILL NEVER DRY UP TOO........YES IT WILL.........YES IT WILL.

Sarah if it truly bothers you, why do you continue to come back to this forum? Just let it go and move on right?

GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!

Zoom:
All your answers are moot, you prove my point over and over. To the people on the left, and that includes you, your "points" are the only ones that make sense and are valid. Also, you are the only ones that decide when a war is valid and worth the "costs". Now, go get some more information from your next code pink meeting, I'm looking forward to your next "valid" response. Just thought I would use your type of reasoning from now on, like your diatribe about fox news.

No.

HEY, YOU GUYS!! This forum is being shut down. Now get out and stay out. Go home and give it a break.

To those of you who hate off-topic posts, please ignore the following.

whatdidyousay,
I didn't respond to all your points because I didn't want to write a book, and they are really off-topic.

It isn't my "interpretation" of ANWR that I linked to, but those of experts. Unless you can do the same, you points about ANWR are moot.

There are people living in ANWR. Ugh.
http://www.columbia.edu/~sp2023/sciencea...

The Democrats (Congress) did allow us to go to war with Iraq, and they were wrong. The Third Reich was a real threat to the world. Saddam Hussein was not...no WMD's, no link to al Qaeda. The war was about bringing democracy to the middle east, in hopes to secure our oil future. It was horribly, horribly wrong.

momof5,
Yes, large truck/suv sales are tanking across the industry.

"Automotive News
June 27, 2008 - 4:44 pm ET

DETROIT -- J.D. Power and Associates is predicting the June seasonally adjusted annual sales rate will plunge to 12.5 million vehicles, down from 16.3 million last June. That is far below what other analysts have projected for the month's sales.

The Wall Street Journal today cited a leaked report from the firm that says June U.S. sales of light vehicles will plunge 15.4 percent from last year.

J.D. Power expects the Detroit 3's sales numbers to take big hits but doesn't see Toyota Motor Corp. overtaking General Motors in U.S. sales, the Journal reports on its Web site.

The research firm predicts a year-over-year 26.2 percent June sales drop for GM, a 31.4 percent drop for Ford Motor Co. and a 30.1 percent drop for Chrysler LLC, according to the report.

J.D. Power expects a sales decline of 6.6 percent for Toyota. That would give it a market share of 18.7 percent, near GM's predicted 19.2 percent share.

J.D. Power expects Honda Motor Co.'s sales to rise 9.3 percent from June 2007, the Journal reported, adding that the data were derived from the first 17 selling days in June."
http://www.autonews.com/article/20080627...

GM arguably makes the best large SUV's. They have just fallen out of favor for those that really don't need their utility. The Big 2.8 simply milked the large truck/SUV market for all it's worth, and didn't develop small vehicles like they should have. GM's only B class vehicle is the Aveo, a crappy car made in South Korea.

One more thing: Are sales of large SUVs and trucks flat-lining across the auto industry? There are people out there who need these vehicles (my family is one of them). However, I would (and did!) buy the previous bodystyle over the current one. I can't help but wonder if Dodge, Ford and other brands are suffering such a fallout in SUV sales. And, if they are not experiencing as sharp and dramatic of a loss (ie 201 days supply on hand on the lots), then I really can't help but wonder if the blame should be transferred from the economy and high gas prices to poor styling (a trend GM has been guilty of for years now!).

chad_vader or any of the other GM employees on here: Read this article (by following the link)from less than 9 months ago....how can GM now wiggle out of this by closing Janesville? I've thought it was odd all along that GM was closing Janesville after that was such a sticking point (job security) with the UAW and taking over the health care fund.
.
Also, anyone know when (days, times) the plant is offering tours? Obviously it won't be in July.....
.
Here's the link:
http://www.gazetteextra.com/autotalks092...

Zoom:
I like the way you pick and choose what you will respond to. I also like the way you refer to Fox news, like you would know where I get my information or what news channels I watch. Give me a break. What makes you think I haven't done any research a on ANWR, just because I don't agree with your interpretation, is that it? Why put the ecosystem at risk? The place where the drilling would take place is a place nobody would live if they gave it to them. How high do you think we should let the price of gas rise to and how far into the tank should we let the economy go before we worry more about people than mosquitos and moose? Comparing WW2 and Iraq doesn't do it for you? I am curious as to why? Are you one of those that thinks military action is only justified if the democrats decide so? After all, they were in charge for WW1, WW2, Korea, and Vietnam. I wonder if all the money spent on those "debacles" would make a difference today? Hmmmmmmmmmm

Okay, folks ... time to move on. We're closing down this comment topic. It's been rehashed way too many times already. Everybody go home now, sleep well and do something with your family tomorrow instead of hanging out here. You may be upset with me now but will thank me later.

whatdidyousay,
I don't blame Republicans for everything, but was simply using facts to contradict rascal's assertion that somehow the Republican Party would be a better choice to fix the economy. They had their chance.

You might want to do your research about ANWR before parroting Faux News, or wherever you get your opinions. If you read the reports I linked to, the conclusions are based on facts, not opinions. Even if ANWR was drilled five or six years ago, when the Republicans had control of congress, we wouldn't see even the small impact for another 15 YEARS? It would have no impact on the current situation, so your post had no point.

There is a tradeoff to drilling anywhere. If it makes no significant difference to the price of gas, why put that ecosystem at risk? Some people (not saying you) are under the impression that all the oil drilled in ANWR would go directly to the U.S. That is not the case. The oil companies decide where to sell it, and only a fraction would make it here.

And no, the Democrats that voted for war don't get a pass. Nobody gets a pass on that debacle. I can actually look at a situation objectively.

Comparing WW2 with the Iraq War doesn't even deserve a response.

Chad -
I wasn't blaming anyone for anything. I was simply stating my opinion on why there was so much negativity towards GM workers. Is it ok if I have my own opinion, or should I change it to suit you? I'm not bashing anyone. I was merely responding to an earlier post from yellow who claimed the drinking and drugs didn't happen down there by relating my own experience with GM workers. I've known quite a few who worked at the plant. I apologize for not stating that in my first post. Some were hard workers who deserved their job, some were just obnoxious and arrogant with an overblown sense of importance because of where their paychecks came from. I'm well aware that all work environments have their bad apples. However, if I was caught drinking on my job, I would've been fired on the spot. But then again, I didn't have the UAW backing me up. So that's that. As I said before, I feel for the ones losing their jobs. It's not easy, no matter who you are. I'm not jumping up and down in excitement because people are now facing a hardship. If I didn't make that clear, please forgive me. I wish everyone luck. And as for free speech..."using that all important right to just spew hate and demean others while spreading dis-information is a slap in the face to those who fought and died for those rights"...Yikes! Somebody better inform Dubya.

chad_vader using the words fought and died for, don't bring the military people who have fought and died for this country in to the big lay off of GM, What a JERK, and yes i am a vet and it is a slap in the face to all vet's when you use those words in the big lay off.

Zoom:
I am impressed by your grammar correction, but not your answer on anwr( how is that for you?). What you have given is someones opinion, and you know what they say about opinions. We wouldn't know the real impact unless we actually drilled, produced, and put the end product on the market. Even if the result had a small impact, it is better than leaving the crude in the ground and not having any impact at all. Maybe we should just leave it there and let the Cubans and Chinese drill it like we are currently letting them do off the coast of Florida. Since you apparently like to blame the republicans for everything, what about the democrats that voted for the war, and continue to vote for the funding? Do they just get a pass? Wasn't it Pelosi and company that were saying before the last election that if they got elected the would DO something about the high price of gas? Well, can you show me exactly what they have done so far? Obama says he will raise taxes on the "evil" oil companies, please explain to me how that will improve the supply of gasoline. Don't people realize that if the companys taxes are raised, they will just pass that increase along to the consumer? If this country doesn't become energy independent, with help from both sides of the political spectrum, then nothing will change. We will remain at the mercy of foreign oil production and its control. As for the billions poured into the middle east, what about the billions that were poured into WW2, would that have made an impact either? You must think that our energy problems have just been the result of the current administrations policies. As I remember we went through this during the carter years and nothing was learned. In my opinion(just an opinion) every president since carter has failed to come up with a plan to make this country energy independent. There is plenty of blame to go around.

Political references seem a bit off base at this point. Moreover, blame cannot be placed on any one president or congress regarding our oil problems. Every president and congress since Carter should have known the importance of eliminating our dependence on foreign oil, yet none of them have done anything about it. That includes democrats and republicans. A majority of the workers at GM, Lear, LSI, and other related companies are good people. It only takes a few bad apples to spoil the bunch. Additionally, regardless of people’s social or ethical standards, this is an issue that will affect the entire community. The full affects of these layoffs haven’t yet even begun to take hold. Considering our unemployment rate in the area is already hovering around 7%, I think it’s safe to say we’re in for some tough times. Education alone will not guarantee that everyone will find jobs. That said, I don’t think this is the end of Janesville. In addition, there are opportunities for Janesville to diversify now that many new people will eventually have marketable skills that were lacking prior to GM’s announcement. As a result, it is crucial that our local and state representatives work hard to ensure Janesville entices business into the area. Moreover, beyond just securing new work, these jobs should have long term growth potential like those in the technology, environmental, or possibly mass transportation markets.

Whatdidyousay,
Drilling in ANWR (not anwar) will have little impact on gas prices.

"Additional oil production resulting from the opening of ANWR would be only a small portion of total world oil production, and would likely be offset in part by somewhat lower production outside the United States. The opening of ANWR is projected to have its largest oil price reduction impacts as follows: a reduction in low-sulfur, light crude oil prices of $0.41 per barrel (2006 dollars) in 2026 for the low oil resource case, $0.75 per barrel in 2025 for the mean oil resource case, and $1.44 per barrel in 2027 for the high oil resource case, relative to the reference case."
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerpt/a...

"For the average case, drilling in ANWR would reduce crude oil by 75 cents, in 2025. The total production from ANWR would be between 0.4 and 1.2 percent of total world oil consumption in 2030."
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerp
t/anwr/pdf/sroiaf(2008)03.pdf

So you and rascal think that the last TWO years of Democratic control of Congress have resulted in our current state of affairs? Wow. How about the Billions of dollars poured into a Middle East war? Could that have an impact?

Comments like cardtrader made is what should make Janesville residents afraid, if this type is what will be left here (even in small numbers). I don't spend my money in the bar. But I do pay taxes, go to local restraunts (and tip very good as I at one time worked in a restraunt), shop at local shops, ect... you get the point. I guess economic geniuses like cardtrader will make up the difference.

spunkmeyer - First of all, GM employees do not write the articles so why blame us for lack of coverage for others??? Second, I hold the credibility of your drunk friend in question. Most alcoholic abusers like to think "everyone" is doing it to make themselves feel better. In 30 years I have worked with a few of these types down there. They represent the bottom of the barrel, they always miss work, they are the ones who bitch all the time, and unfortunately for the other 98% of the good workers they were the ones who took years to get fired. And you quote that as your source! Ha! I believe in free speech, but using that all important right to just spew hate and demean others while spreading dis-information is a slap in the face to those who fought and died for those rights.

Zoom:
Which party is it that blocks any drilling offshore and in Anwar? Which party is it that votes to raise the CAFE standards? Which party is it that doesn't want any new nuclear plants? The answer is the democrats. Bush tried to get drilling approved, but guess which party blocked that? Now, who is it that is to blame? A president can't make a law by himself, the bill has to come from congress for his signature or veto.

This discussion has gone way off topic. Every post here is the same as the last. GM is closing. Lear closed. Jobs are lost. So now people come to the Gazette webpage and perpetuate these childish sentiments that have been a part of the collective Janesville psyche for as long as I can remember. We all know that there are close minded people that believe GM workers are all over paid alcoholic drug abusers. We are living in a bubble of our own obsessive thought processes. Stuck in a loop of the same old crap. There has to be a new way of thinking if we want to actually move forward. If you think GM closing is a good thing, you are more than foolish. It is a big hit to our already weak economy. Where are these people expected to work? Educated or not, Texas Road House doesn't have enough tables.

piterboy, how do you get that kind of hatred for a group of people that you don't even know? Did these people do something to you personally?
To the rest of you that are "tired of all the g.m. people whining", we're not the ones who are doing the whining. I haven't seen anyone on here who works at g.m. saying "oh poor me". Most of us see it for what it is, one of those bumps in the road that you just have to get over. We're all adults and we'll be fine. I do, however feel bad for the kids who have to leave their friends and lives here behind. They didn't ask for any of this and some of you have the audacity to be happy that it's happening to them? How would you like to start over in a new state and new school in your junior or senior year? I wouldn't wish that on your kids.
Next time you want to complain about "g.m. whiners", look back over the previous comments and you'll be surprised to see that there is much more "whining" about g.m. workers than by them.

Spunkmeyer and SK your posts are well stated and thought out. Thank you. I agree with you both 100%

PITERBOY::: Do you know how close you are to gooooooing away?????? BUT your in luck,MENDOTA was built just for people like YOU! LA!LA!LA! You remember this song they wrote about you years ago_____ Their comming to take me away ha! ha!,to the funny farm,where LIFE is beautiful all the time HA! HA! HAVE A NICE STAY!!!!!!!!!!!

You people that just don't get it" go away "! Ponder this: Why so many say so much on the G.M. issue,don't get me wrong,BUT,I DO feel for everyone,BUT,if it weren't for G.M.,these other closings wouldn't exist. These jobs were invented to have the parts needed more redily avaulable,and to employ people,so without G.M. these other jobs would,ve never existed!! Before they built that big plant for the seats,and employed ALL the people that work there,their were three people building every one of those seats,bet alot of you didn't know that,i was 1. We could even get into the so called 86rs.,alot of them were just lazy,and whiners,then one day when the older workers were out numbered,what i mean is out numbered in union voteing new leaders to represent UAW 95 members,WELL guess what,the 86rs.took over controll of the union. I knew i was in trouble when a union rep. went to discuss a problem an emplyee mightof had with mang. first. You have the president sleeping with madison government,in my oppinion that should never of been aloud,so guess what,an 86er running the show,brads a good kid,but to have the talent & know how to get,or keep a product,i guess were seeing that answer right now!!! all i see is another one sleeping with madison doyle. Anyway good luck to all that seek jobs elsewhere,I FOR ONE SEEN THE TROUBLE COMMING YEARS AGO!!!!

Careful piterboy, daddy may have to put you in a timeout...

YOU COULD HAVE TRANSFERED MANY MANY MANY TIMES. PERIOD.....THAT IS HOW YOU GET A PENSION WITH THE AUTO INDUSTRY....YOU CHASE IT. POOR LITTLE JANESVILLE?????HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO FLINT MICHIGAN? TALK ABOUT SAD....DETROIT????? REALLY SAD.....PEOPLE TRANSFER ALL THE TIME,,,,IT IS NOW THE "86ERS TURN" AND YOU JUST GOT WAY TO COMFORTABLE. SO THIS CLOSING IS PERFECT WAKE UP CALL. PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT.... I AM ECSTATIC TO SEE THE PEOPLE HAVING TO WEIGH OUT THEIR OPTIONS NOW, YOU ALL SAY YOU CAN GO BACK TO YOUR "old" JOB? YEAH RIGHT......DID DADDY GET YOU IN THERE TOO.
TRANSFER AND SEE IF YOU RECEIVE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT AT THE NEW PLANT. NO WAY!!!!!!!!! BECAUSE EVERYONE IS A TRANSFER NOW......WELCOME TO THE REAL OPTIONS IN LIFE. MOST OF YOU ARE PATHETIC, WHINING BABIES. GET OUT YOUR SIPPY CUPS NOW AND GRAB DADDIES HAND, YOU WILL NEED IT.

You know what Janesville will still be here long after G.M is gone count on it. The only business that will hurt in this community will be the Bar's surrounding the plant. Put that in your pipe and smoke it

Whether we all have a different opinion of the decency of a "GM worker" or the same opinion, the real question is, Does what they do on the job effect your life directly? No. Will the loss of a thousand plus employee company effect your life directly? Absolutely. It is not our place to decide whether a person is morally correct or not, that is for employers and God to do. We need to worry about things that are in our control, and that is all we can be accountable for.

rascal said, "What political party is going to do the most harm to the auto industry?"

Considering that we have had a Republican President for the last eight years, and Republican control of the Senate for six of those years, I would say it's painfully obvious. Just today, McCain says he opposes a Detroit three bailout.
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...

Besides, the Big 2.8 don't need any help harming themselves, they are doing fine on their own.

momof1
I am entitled to my opinion as is everyone else here. I just don't understand why people are actually happy that hundreds of people will be loosing their jobs and not only GM. If you don't like what I have to say, so be it. You obviously have some issues and must have a very unhappy life to comment about my opinion. Negativity breeds unhappy people. Get over yourself and good luck! I won't loose sleep over your negativity. Take a good look at your life before commenting on others.

Well said SK! I do feel for those of you who are losing your jobs. I recently lost my job of 7 years. However, I wasn't offered subpay, or a payout, or even a transfer. Be grateful for what you are getting. Not everyone is as lucky as a displaced GM worker. The people who worked at Lear and any other company directly affected by the closing of GM are the ones I truly feel sorry for. But we don't seem to hear a whole lot about those people, do we? Maybe that's why there's so much negativity towards the GM workers. It isn't all about you. There are people who are losing their jobs who won't get the same help that you do. Also, as far as the comments about drinking on the line...I know for a fact it's true. And it wasn't 1970. I had a friend that worked down there who used to bring in vodka in a 2-liter pop bottle. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one. Everyone in his area did the same thing. He also used to get drunk at the bar or in the parking lot during lunch. Sometimes he made it back, sometimes he didn't. But he didn't lose his job. He also told me of numerous times he cussed out his supervisor and refused to do something that "wasn't in his job description" such as picking up around his area. I don't believe you can do that anywhere else. I'm sure I will be told that I'm "just jealous", and that's fine. And as for freedom of speech..."You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. Then you can stand up and sing about the land of the free." It works both ways, people.

Janesville and other auto towns should be very worried about GM going into bankruptcy. The plant will be gone, however the pension program will help the economy for years to come.In Flint Mi 50,000 GM-UAW pension checks go to area zip codes every month despite the the loss of 60,000 jobs There must be a significant number of retirees in Janesville getting a better than average pension. What political party is going to do the most harm to the auto industry? There are many eco nutty democrats that would like to see the demise of GM and other american auto makers.Republican are no friends of the rank & file but they are not anti capitalist. Pension fund money is paper money only a succesful stock market ensures its vialibility The next couple of years are critical,ask the retired steelworkers in Gary. Pittsburg. or Bethlehm how their pensions are doing

Alliant is hireing but you have to go to school and get smart, So give it a try for a job,

ap2533jvl- But it is okay for you to be unhappy and hateful? I don't understand your logic. People have different opinions than yours, if it upsets you so much, maybe you should log off.
....
Good Luck to all the Lear/LSI people that are without jobs!! There are jobs out there, look at Alliant Energy!

We'll said SK. Thanks for making the point I have been

CHECK THIS OUT
Found on line and if you want good pay try this for a job.
http://wclo.com/news/2008/jun/27/alliant...

The "jealousy" comes from comments as yours SK. How do you know what kind of homes the average worker has and anything else for that matter. I think you are passing judgement on an entire workforce based on what a few might have. The fact is, the union and bargaining committes are who helped create the golden spoon or saftey net as you might want to call it. The workers themselves did not come up with pay and benefits they recieve. It's not only GM, it's the entire auto industry that has these same pay and benefit packages as they negotiate national contracts with all 3 auto makers. The actual truth of the situation is, people are loosing their jobs, PERIOD! For anyone that is happy and hateful about this needs to re-evaluate their own lives. This will effect and entire community and if you don't think so just wait.

I keep hearing people defending the GM pay based on hard 10 hour days in a bad work environment. If it was so bad why didn't they leave. I'll tell you why. Because they were overpaid for what they were doing.
Yes, I'm sure it is miserably hot in the plant on an August summer day. However, how hot do you suppose it is for cooks & dishwashers in a kitchen in the summer? And they don't get paid the kind of money GM people do. My point being there are a lot of other jobs that are just as hard or "uncomfortable" as working at the GM plant, but they are not all handed a golden spoon.
I'm sure there are many very nice people that work at GM. However, most of the one's I have run across are very arrogant people that have chosen to live to the edge of their money in their big fancy houses and extra goodies. They will now be forced to have to live like the rest of us because they will not find any other jobs paying what they did with the benefits they received.
I feel sorry for the companies such as Lear that their employee's are suffering because they do not fall under the same golden net as GM.

I know I'm going to be called "jealous" which is not the case at all. I'm just sick of hearing the sob stories about the GM workers when there are many other people in the community without jobs that are trying to live on unemployment or less.

Everyone seems to be forgetting that the GM employee's are not leaving with no hope of money coming in. They are still going to get 80 or 85% of their pay for 2 years !!
No other company gives the type of benefits GM has & is still doing. They should be grateful they have these benefits that most people do not have the luxury to have.

I guess there will be nothing for the GM bashers to complain about when the plant closes. I did many years there on the line and I feel for anyone there and in the other business's that will be layed off also. Yes it would be great to re-tool and get back to a small vehicle to build because Janesville would build the best, they always have! Good Luck TO All. Take advantage of the schooling posibilities. Then you won't have to worry about a job in the failing auto industry! I know someone who was one of many who lost a job at Beloit Corp., took a school for truck driving and now makes over 50 grand a year. No truck payment, and company buys fuel and he is home every night!

Anytime we loose jobs in this community is very painful. Good luck to the employees that have lost their jobs. Take it in stride and use the resources that the company is giving you. Life will go on. It's going to be tough for a little bit but, with a little hard work and determination you will pull through.

My last night at Lear Corp could be summed up as disappointing. We received no shop newsletter from the chairman, no visit from any of our union representation, and nearly no handshakes from our management. I had one member of management wish me luck without approaching him and he was a former union rep. Not that I was expecting much, but I thought after twelve and half years either my union or management might say, “Thanks and good luck.” I wish those who remain the best of luck. I’ll miss you all and I hope for better news in the coming years.

I suppose maybe I have been a bit harsh, ctr1 yellow. There is allot of truth to both your statements

I REFUSE to find any truth in what Janesville Hero claims and feels about this city. But when I leave a comment that is CLEARLY sarcasm to its fullest, only to be followed by many comments bringing up FREE SPEECH and all that...then it makes me sad that his/her beliefs about the intelligence of those leaving comments almost seems to be supported. I was trying to make a point about not taking things so seriously and being able to judge for yourself which comments to take to heart, instead of whining to the Gazette to filter out differing opinions. These comment sections have just become individuals sending insults back and forth. No matter what anyone says words actually CAN be hurtful. But when YOU make the choice to read them, don't expect pity when you fall right into someone elses games and taunts.

I have been following the GM stories via the Gazette website for weeks and have bit my lip until now. Reading these negative comments towards GM and the GM workers makes me sick!! We used to live in Janesville and my husband used to work at the plant. I used to think it was a great place to live and raise a family but the comments I've read over the past few weeks make me wonder where all of these awful people are coming from. What happened to hoping for the best for your community? Being there to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor in need?? Do you realize how many people are losing their jobs and with the market the way it is, will be job hunting for a long time? What about their family, bills, etc? So, for those of you that are happy GM is shutting down and people are losing their jobs, I think you need to put yourself in their shoes and think about how they're feeling before you go and shoot off your mouth. I'm glad we moved because I couldn't stand to be around the bad-mouthing, negative, uncompassionate people that have nothing better to do than constantly post rude comments. Best of luck to all the GM workers and families.

Opinionsforfree-people can find enough things to fault with your ignorant posts...why give them more to work with on your poor spelling. Take a class at Blackhawk Tech or online and clean it up.

It is so pleasing to know that I live in a community of so many perfect people. You state that the reason you hate the GM employees is because they abuse this or that...which I am assuming you are attributing to sinning...well judging is also a sin and covetting is also a sin. Shall I go on?

BTW, Thanks for the positive yellow, over the years I have had the honor of getting to know alot of summer help employees, many being college students. Its great that you had the chance to make some good money for school, and also get a view of other ways of life, that might keep you on the path of education. I, more then once heard students say "know way in hell would I work here for thirty years!" Education is key, and I make that abundantly clear to My own children, if they find life work in a field that they choose, and truly love, then it wouldnt seem like work would it? If My children learn from My mistakes, it will have been all worth while.

Why is it that the GM workers are SO defensive? Why is it that every negative comment about GM means the individual is jealous? I don't have any bad feelings against GM workers but when does the "poor me" syndrome stop? If there are so many educated people working at GM then they shouldn't have a problem finding work. From alot of these posts though, some of the GM workers better work on their grammar and spelling, maybe take a class at Blackhawk because you need a refresher.

Opinions, No one, including Myself would try to disprove your comments of substance abuse at G.M. janesville, or anywhere else for that fact. My point is anywhere You have a workforce of this size, the number of abusers will be higher, its numbers. If I worked at a company with 6 employees, and 1 abused, certainly it wouldnt make the news. The point is that You dwell on the minority of employees at G.M. janesville, You never mention once anyone that had worked there many years with a stellar record, that raised a family and retired with pride, because truly you would find many more in that group.

Yeah your right...that was probably in 1970!! I would have known if people were high or drunk on the job. Just because these people HAVE worked there, they might have left on a bad note...and if they are friends with you then it doesnt suprise me that they would say something like this. How is this different from any other work place? You will always have a gambler, drinker, smoker. So at saying this...just because GM had some bad eggs, similar to every other work place it has made Janesville such a HORRIBLE place, and thats why it better shut down soon before Janesville's reputation gets any worse!!!(sarcasm) Get a life, a clue, and look around this world...its not a roses and thank god everyone is not like you!

Nope I have known several people who have worked there. They have told me about the drinking at the bar on lunch, drug use on the line, drinking on the line, Gambling problems, and people drinking away $500 a week.

So i am not stating things that I might have heard on the street. It comes from people who have worked there for 30yrs. so try again

Opinions: honestly tell me what you do for a living, and have you ever stepped foot in GM, or attempted to work a 10 hr shift on one of those jobs? I am sure you are just going off hear-say, but from personal experience take it from me I work there last summer, I was 19 and an active college student. I was sore for weeks on end...those are HARD, challenging jobs that I would be willing to put money on you wouldnt last an hour!

My wife and myself have been discussing future plans since news has gone sour, and one of the things that always comes up is "janesville". We were both raised here, it is our home, and most importantly We like it here, My father was a G.M. worker, My wifes father worked for JATCO, this is a great place to raise a family, and We dont want to move. With differing senioritys it makes for a difficult decision, I with 22 years, Her with 13. In hindsight, We would have had Her take a "buyout" but G.M.'s timing on announcements seemed a little awkward considering they would have had alot more takers had We known the brevity of the situation. None the less, We cant count on another chance to pounce on a deal for Her, but it would make things alot easier. With two older children (18 & 17) and two younger (8 & 6) it makes thing stickier. The older ones need a home base going through college, and the younger ones We would like to finish being raised here. Keep in mind I understand that other G.M. communities offer great prospect, We just prefer to hang around janesville. So all that being said, what options should be considered for a so called "86'r"? A good friend and I have been considering optional plans such as traveling to work during the week, and home on the weekends, not the best situation, but one that many, many "86'r's" are thinking of, it would allow us to put in a few more years to the point of a possible grow into retirement, which recently were offered to employees with 26 years to 29 years, not what anyone planned, but certainly a good option. Have I given up on janesville assembly? Of course not, We have a history of defying the odds, that being said, you also have to have a plan, be ready for the what might be. As for negative comments that never seem to stop? Who cares, ignore is the operative word here. As I've said before, hope for the best, prepare for the worst. peace.

Bottom line is I cant till they shut the plant. then this town cant start the healing process

lol that is all you can come up with.

Chimps are pretty intelligent...so I am willing to bet your profession would be in the category of "a job a chimp can do."

I am not jealous at all. like I want a mindless job that a chimp could do.

Yes, free speech is a luxury we all have, but etiquette should be excerised. Hurtful comments, hateful comments and jealous comments don't make you look like anything but a uncompassionate jerk. They certainly don't make you look better than ANYONE if that is what your goal is. Try another approach.

it is free speech. that doesnt mean you dont sound like a chimp exercising your free speech....

I guess you can have free SPEECH - not sure if you can speak as well as write. I also don't think there are many people who really want to listen to you anyway.

It's called ignorance, uncompassion, callowness, naïveté, and from where I sit, just plain sad.