I understand "why" GM is closing down Janesville; because it's an old plant and would cost too much to retool it. However, how can GM cut production at one plant, while the other 2 are still working 2 10-hr shifts daily. THEN.... GM cuts the line rate in Janesville all the while Arlington and Silao are working OT.
.
I know that if an employee with less seniority is granted OT work when an employee with more seniority was available or denied, EVERYONE between the two is paid that overtime pay. It is called "rocking chair money." How come Gettelfinger from the national UAW can't or doesn't get involved? How can GM nearly idle one plant but has the other 2 busting at the seams with work?
.
And, yes, while all this coverage can grow tiring (even for those who work at GM), I suspect it would be the same if Mercy Hospital decided to close or move to another county/state entirely.

What amazes me about the comments on this unfortunate economic phenomenon is the number of people who blame GM.

Get real. They are in business. Any retailer from the one-stop grocer to Walmart is not repeat not going to lose money to be nice guys.

Business men will do whatever is necesary to make money - it is in their gene pool. GM is no different. I own GM stock and I want them to be profitable although I sympathize with the those who must find other employment.

Ralph-do even less? Than what? Your comment shows you're not familiar with the work, right? But-because you're not expected to know (though you certainly berate what you don't know about)-they will keep fewer people than previously stated to do those 44 jobs an hour-they're not cutting an individual's work-maybe adding to it if humanly possible. In other words-people will do more work on each of fewer cars an hour.

I can not explain it? I am speechless? How can people be force to do even less.

We heard rumors about this last week and when I asked our boss on Wed. he said no. A woman I work with asked Kegerreis last Thursday and he said yes we are staying at 44. Just once the truth would be great! Rumor is May or Aug 86' to hold the plant.

chad_vader- Thank you for your kind words and concern. I hope everyone can survive this because it will trickle down to everyone one way or another; taxes going up, etc.

I really hope that Doyle can recoup the 10 million + that he gave to GM and put it back into the community somehow. Maybe do something with the GM plant.

dkush21 - Hope things work out for you and your husband too. Lear, LSI and the rest were just as much part of the family as those who worked at the GM plant.

I heard the plant may shut down as early as July. But I think it will be at the end of the year.

I feel for everyone. And yes, my husband will be a soon ex-Lear employee who was told he was safe and now found out he probably will be cut because GM changed their mind again. Not funny when these companies play with you like that. And because he would be cut before the supposed shutdown of GM (now I heard it's within the next 5 months) he will not get any severence pay either. Sorry to all of you that are losing your jobs and I pray that all goes well for you somehow.

Thanks Nobleone, I never had a personal cheerleader before. But are you saying you put a hit out on me ("time will come to an end")or something? I better get doing my bucket list then.

onelife2live - yeah, it really isn't neat to find out the info first here all the time.But you can see that it was posted at 5:34 pm, after 2nd shift started.

Chad_vaders the man if he cann't do nobody can. Keep pounding your chest. your time soon will be at an end.

As a GM employee, I agree with Nutty. The company tells us nothing. It will close sooner than later. As an employee I would like to be informed about my job status before the local radio or newspaper...I'm sure Rick Wagoner is given that much respect, as well as Gary Malkus...peace

lol, anger is not good for the soul....

Go Gazette! Please continue bringing on the articles about GM, Lear, Gilman and the rest of the companies being affected by shutdowns! This is my opinion and I will respond as often as I feel necessary.

momo- This has nothing to do with who will be fine or not fine. I too feel bad for all that are being put through the wringer with this. Maybe you and nutjob should complain to the editor of the paper. Can you dial a phone???

Good for you Nutty!!! I am with you!! GM workers will be FINE! It is the Lear/LSI and suppliers that will be hurt!

nutty, if you don't like it, don't read it. There are many families affected by what's going on and we all want to read about it. This will make headlines for a very long time. You must not be a Janesville native or have are disgruntled that you never worked there. GM was the heart of Janesville. Janesville will be fine when it's done, but give the citizens of this fine city a chance to mourn the loss.

There are many other newspapers you can read, why don't you do so until GM is gone?

Nutty - why don't you start up the Job Loss Gazette ???? Aparently you see a need something to do. You could just try NOT reading the Gazette if you don't want to read what they print. Nobody is forcing you to read these articles are they? Also it deals with the volume of jobs lost. Why don't you whine about all the articles about the Bucks? They have articles all the time, and not everyone watches basketball!Duh!

Nutty, this affects people. Have a heart.

I heard that they plan on closing in 5 months also.