I agree with you pandalover25

1. Its a job that pays well and has benefits. People move for jobs everyday.

2. Or don't take the job and let Ohioans have the Ohio jobs.

Its that simple.

I've tried to read all the posts in both articles (about GMers short-notice move to Ohio), and other GM related stories in the past couple years-because now, I admit it, it's partly to see the ratio of the people who complain about the GM worker/"whiners" compared to those workers who actually do whine. Of GM worker/"whiners"-I find few to none. People who complain about these fictional "whiners": 99% of the posts.
A handful of people may have expressed concern over this recent Ohio decision that must be made, but most of those expressed concern for others, and didn't actually work at GM themselves. Those are people with empathy. The few who actually express concern over their own lives with or post-GM, well these articles are ABOUT those workers, and one of the biggest aspects of their lives. If you're not involved, why DO you read about it? Especially if it disgusts you so? Really, why? Do you actually have more of a right or reason to express fear, regret, disappointment (or hate, jealousy, contempt) than those who are actually experiencing this life-changing upheaval??
Where ARE all these posts from GM workers whining over how rough they have it? Show me a bunch of them-enough to warrant all the anti-GM worker posts. There sure are enough people whining about them. It's been stated before, but no (anti-GM worker) ever addresses it.

Thank you to those of you who have an open mind and can try to put yourself in someone else's shoes. My husband did not "sit on his butt and collect checks". He went to school to be retrained and he spends every day job hunting. In case some of you haven't checked the news lately, the job market right now is awful. We expected to lose benefits in July and would have been prepared. I have said all along that I am thankful for everything that we have received. I know that most people who lose their jobs aren't that lucky, I know this because I lost mine too and got unemployment and nothing else. I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for me because we made the decision not to go and we will live with the consequences. I will lose my insurance and everything else on Wednesday and to be honest, it's pretty scary. No scarier than it is for everyone else out there who has lost a job but still scary.You can all say whatever you want about us but it doesn't change the fact that GM handled this poorly. If you are going to expect people to move across the country, give them some notice.If you are terminating someone's benefits, give them notice.The reason they only give 4 days is because they know more people will turn it down without time to make plans. That gets all of those people off of the payroll and opens up the opportunity to hire in new employees at $14 an hour. Simply put, they're cleaning house.

sickofyou...I wish you good luck....

I am a GM worker..And I am taking the transfer.. I spent the weekend driving to Ohio and looking at houses and figuring out the area.. and yes there is some really crappy parts there.. but I found some really nice areas too.. I have found a house i just put in a offer on and I just found out, it is half of the taxes there.. with alot more house and 20 times the land.. I was never wanted to buy a house in Janesvile the taxes there are stupid for what you get and the schools really aren't that good.. they spend more time energy and money on sports then they do actually teaching the kids.. I mean look at how narrow minded the people posting on here are.. need I say more?? I am sure i am going to spell something wrong and someone will think they actually won something when they catch it but it will just prove my point even more, I have spent the last few years getting ready for the move.. I knew it was going to happen, Really you had to know, What else really was going to happed? I don't even know what to say to alot of you other then I see our taxes already went up and your values are going down.. I used to give alot of mine time and money to this area (and yes Janesville to)just to help make it a better place to live.. I am taking my time and money and family and leaving.. I spent alot of time looking for work around here and back when I lived in the "real world" making $15/hr I gained alot of skills.. so I do have things to offer companies, but I wasn't going to work for min. wage either.. I really shouldn't post this because I am so frustrated with you people my mind is running faster then I can type and there is so much to say that you are wrong about.. I guess I will say and mean it.. I really do wish the best of luck to you and your town.. I used to love going there for food and entertainment.. Some of the people there are some of the best I have ever met.. BYE

"Shake and Bake!"

It was obvious that the post lacked depth.

Zoom, no wonder the post made so much sense.

Kleej, that isn't GazetteFAN, it's gazetteFUN.

I didn't read all the comments, but it seems many of the people complaining about how GM is treating their employees don't even work for GM. Your comments certainly aren't helping your GM buddies.

I would guess that the vast majority of the GM people that were given this last choice to work in Ohio are taking this in stride, and will make the best of it. It's really no different than the hundreds of other GM people that have transfered, except they don't have a choice of location. Worse case, accept the offer, and give it a go for a short time. If it doesn't work out, you're in the same position as having declined the offer.

It would be nice if the people of this area would pull together instead of calling names and pointing fingers. Life is too short....

wow gazettefan, some words that actually have merit! Well done. The UAW has done a great job over the years brainwashing it's members into thinking they're some unbeatable entity. The UAW works the same way as the government is at this very moment in time! They have their own agenda that serves their own purpose and not the good of EVERYONE, they elect only people who see things from one point of view rather than someone who can have a little vision and actually make decisions that will stand the test of time rather than living for the moment and they have no problem taking people's money and turn it into an expenditure from the people and not an investment! The union is a company in itself! And, by definition, it can't be for the good of everyone! A union, just as government is only as good as it's people! It starts with leaders who do the right things for the right reasons!

justme.....GM didn't cause the workers problems!!! Like I said, it's a free country. The workers made the choice to work there. I was one of them! I had the freedom to walk away, so I did. I refuse to stand by and point fingers at anyone or any company because my life is so miserable! I'm in charge of my own life, not GM. So are you and everyone else! Think about this: Go drive 65 mph in a 25 mph speed zone. If and when you get caught and ticketed, are you going to blame the lawmakers or the police because you made the decision to speed???

The Oshkosh Corp defense is UAW.

farleyt because they all think the mighty UAW will bring back jobs to janesville. oshkosh is not UAW.

It's not the workers, or the union, or GM totally. Just take a look at Wall Street and how they play with the money that you and I use to buy what we have and what workers here in the US manufacture. They would sell their mother to make an extra nickel. They also figure into the fuel price equation also.....more nickels!

I know it would have been a move but why did these people not try to get a job with oshkosh corp last year when they hired 600 ppl? At least they would still be in WI and making good money.

justaguy why dont you help the gm people and give them money to stay in janesville, sounds like you love the gm'ers give them a hand out.

Kitten: your husband made six figures? in a single year? and this was year after year? and now you complain about his unemployment? Between the hubby and I we are lucky to make 30 and this is probably a lot higher than most in this town. So if we can live on that....I mean really people didn't you save anything?

I don't care if it is GM or any other company.
Not bashing GM or any other employees, just sick of people whining about no work, but not willing to sacrifice to get/keep a job to support their families.
In this tough time a job is a job. Take it or shut up.
I've been there/done that.
I had to relocate some six years ago to keep a job, as well a needed insurance for my wife.
Yes,It is tough to do, but beats not working, no insurance, and no food.
Buck it up folks.

Never Fear Paul Ryan Is Here!!! ""NOT""

theone: and you are who? a nobody, I could care less about your spelling lesson .. you may think it make you look like a somebody but guess what you're still a putz. I see you and more like you doing all the crying ... and how moany GMers? none. Moron .. JMO.
Justaguy… Man I don’t even know what to say about this mess…but I’ll do my best.

“and you are who?”
Well, I’m The_One.

“a nobody?”
Maybe

“I could care less about your spelling lesson”
You might want to see below!

“you may think it make you look like a somebody but guess what you're still a putz”
I think your make needs an “s”, either way maybe I am.

“I see you and more like you doing all the crying”
Ok

Now here’s where it’s going to get ruff…

“and how moany GMers? none. Moron ..”

What the??? I’d ask if you’re joking, but I don’t think anyone would believe you if you said yes. And you think I’m the moron?

“you forgot to read my post about "the real world". It's a place we all live in. No one is excluded, get a grip.” No… no I didn’t forget I just try to limit my ignorance intake for one day and sometimes I miss things so hear you go..

“Real World” – meaning: The now, or present; to live in a place where real things happen to real people. To not expect everything is done for you, or others will take care of you and your issues while you do nothing. To live in the real world means; a little effort is needed on your part to advance in society and succeed, failure to put forth effort will result in the eventual end of all things good.

Hopes this helps…

Oh P.S. Sounds like I got a grip.

Justme46:

“What kind of job do you have, The_One? Mind sharing?”

No, I don’t… I am a second year resident at a hospital in Madison… OK? Now what?

See here’s the problem with GM’ers right here… Pay attention and learn something, everyone!

Justme46 says:
I know you nearsighted people are just looking at the month of May, how about a year from now? NOW we really are going to be a ghost town.
Or this one…
There would be no Janesville without GM or Lear or LSI or Accudyne or for that matter the old Parker Pen.

Bidrodie says:
To all of you who are so happy GM is done in town. Guess what, you in the abyss also. It's called Janesville. With GM's closure, Janesville will now be a second rate town. A dying old rust belt town. If people from Janesville think there exempt, just look at Rockford.

If you read the majority of posts GM supporters write, they routinely come up with two things to say… First being, without me/us this town will never make it, and second, I hope you lose your jobs so you can see what I’m/were going through.

Why must we always go through this Janesville’s dead crap? It’s old! It’s like the employees at GM, who are about to lose there pay/benefits need to bring everyone down with them to make themselves feel better because that’s all they have left.

Look, I’ll make this real clear to the thick skulled people out there. The majority of us do not hate GM employees, in fact, I think it’s great to hear a success story how someone took the buyout, or went to school and are back on their feet again. The sad thing is though, you don’t hear too many of them. All you hear about is the articles in the paper stating poor GM employees, or the blogers saying poor me, GM owes me, why are they doing this to me…

So then the hate sets in, and then you wish everyone loses there jobs too. Really? Cause that’s the American way right… If I can’t have it, no one can!!!

That folks is why there is so much “GM bashing” every time there is an article on GM. You bring it on yourselves so live with it.

Reality can be a bitter pill. Two years and many people of this city are like deer staring into the headlights of an oncoming auto. The city, the schools, local business people, and many of us wonder what will happen when the government money dries up. Gm, Lear, Lsi, Gilman, Sanford, Accudyne, Jatco, Parker Pen, railroad, trucking jobs, and sorry if I left anyone out, are gone for good. Deep down we know it's not 1999 anymore, but we sometimes act as if were. I as a homeowner and lifelong resident can see that denial is not going to work any longer for me or any other person in this city. It was going to be easy for me to blast the man in this story for being so ill prepared, but as I write this I came to realize that we in the area are all part of this story. We must stick together and make it through this, out of denial but hopeful! I wish the best for this man's family no matter what his decision and to the rest of those without jobs or worring about losing the one they now have. Sorry if my writing skills are not up to the standards that many require, (if you could see my typing skills, at least you would smile once today)but even those of us that struggle may have a message.

Gazettefan, this has nothing to do with blaming the people who worked at GM, they do not need to blame themselves. Do you not read the paper or hear the news? GM caused all these problems, not the employees. So they were in a union, whoopie do. General Motors should suffer (the corporation) not the people who worked there making an honest days pay. I am all out of breath here, no basher is going to listen anyway. I have all you families in my prayers and hope for the best for all of you. And bashers, please find another article to negatively comment on so you can make more people feel miserable! You have to realize that what your words protrait are hurting people. If that is what you like to do, run for office, will you?

I say take your job and leave it is easy to do. Lets see does your family pay your bills no they dont G.M does so if you cant sell then rent your dream home and leave I'm so sick of hereing about the problems of GM , listen we all are in this together but we are all not in the newspaper nor do we want to be, take what is being offered because it isn't getting any better around here any time soon and be happy your not in my shoes, no work no unemployment and soon no home but who cares. Good Luck in OHIO

Notice the article reads "GM workers sent to work at Ohio plant"! It doesn't say FORCED or MANDATORY! This is America. People have the freedom to make their own choices and live with their decisions. I don't want to hear that GM is the reason people's lives are being turned upside down! It's not GM's fault! It's time for folks to take some accountability upon themselves and stop belittling everyone who has an opinion about this. I also believe that if someone makes the decision to move their families to Ohio, it's their choice! Just stop blaming GM and look in the mirror at the real reason it's come down to this........YOU!

google this:gm janesville 700 electric.

It makes me wonder what type of people can come on here and berate any of the GM employees that have to make this type of decision. Many of them who have been living in Janesville for 20+ years. I couldn't imagine being in there shoes. I know a few guys that worked at GM for around 20-25 years that need just a few more years to retire with some benefits, but to do so they had to either uproot their families, take a lose on their house when they sold it, and move to a city they aren't familiar with. Or they could walk away from the only job they know how to do. I'd like to see some of the blowhards on this blog try to go back to school, while trying to maintain a household, knowing that at anytime, you may be transferred. It ain't easy, and I hope that they make the decision that is best for them and their families.

I have to say the only people on this blog actually crying or complaining are the non-Gm employees. So I have a hard time understanding what it is you people are talking about when you say all the GMers need to stop crying. As for sitting on their butts, I don't think many of them were just sitting on their butts. Most of them were attending school.....remember Blackhawk Tech has record enrollment the past two years. And incase you didn't know it actually takes two years to graduate from MOST of the programs at Blackhawk Tech, but the biggest problem is that there is atleast a two year wait or more (nursing and radiography have over a five year wait), just to get into the program and then two years of full time schooling after that. So I wouldn't say they have been sitting around waiting for someone to take care of them.

Garyprimer, I did not say I wanted a revolt but mark my words, it is going to happen soon. I would place a wager on it! Okay, all you posters who think it is so easy to up and move in a short period of time, where do you work? John Deere, Walmart, Shopko, Burger King, can't think of any other LARGE employers in Janesville, if your manager wanted you to move from here to Florida, would you go work at Walmart or Burger King there? And yes, I am comparing these to GM. Some people have had these jobs for years and make a good wage, now pack your bags and move in 2 weeks! Think you can do it? Stop bashing. There would be no Janesville without GM or Lear or LSI or Accudyne or for that matter the old Parker Pen. All our large factories are GONE, do you get it now?????? If these larger factories were not the "founding fathers" of Janesville, who was? I don't want a persons name I want a big big companies name. Can't come up with one, can you? Didn't think so. Lay off the GM sob story because it is involving real peoples lifes. A husband, a wife, 2 or more kids, a house, an extended family, just like you and I have. Think about it hard!

Maybe giving the workers 4 days to make one of the biggest decisions they'll ever have to make may be a bit too much to ask, but then again, how long did these employees think they were just going to be able to sit at home and collect all the benefits that GM was paying for? I don't blame GM for doing this. Everyone had the opportunity to retire, take a buyout or put in for a transfer. For those that didn't do any of that, they've been well taken care of for over a year. Transfer of cut your ties with GM, but don't complain about what they're doing to you. You are being given the opportunity to go back to work. People transfer to other states all the time in order to stay employed. I can't say that I would turn it down if it meant a paycheck.

Lets face it Janesville GM is part of history. Take the job or leave it. At least some have a choice. Times are tough and only the strong will survive. Move on and don't look back. Life will be just fine

To all you GM haters: go enjoy your Toyota.....when it doesnt stop!!!!

While visiting Janesville I stoped to have lunch at Pizza Hut. My wife and I got out of the car and smelled a stench of a mixture of barf and sulfer. I looked across the street and saw a cemetary. I thought there must be a poor embalmer in town. The couple next to us told us it was the city dump. Why are all you people talking about General Motors? You might want to work on the stink pile you people created.

GM STANDS FOR GOVERNMENT MOTORS ITS THE OBAMA PLAN

I know that this is difficult, but at least some people have a chance at a job. There have been many people who have lost their jobs AND benefits recently. Yeah GM is jerking their employees around but I'm sure none of them were complaining back in the day when employees got almost whatever they wanted. It's the world today, grow up! Sometimes life isn't fair and YOU need to make something of your life not just complain about it.

that is ridiculous there should not be an ultimatum for the laid off workers from our plant here in janesville! the company crapped on its employees not the other way around and now they are forcing them to uproot their lives or lose benefits!! that is ridiculous!

Hey The_One, you forgot to read my post about "the real world". It's a place we all live in. No one is excluded, get a grip.

You say you want a revolution? Well, you know, we all want to change the world.

Since the early 1970's I put in over 1000 applications at the Janesville plant. Not one call so quit whinning and go to work. If I had only five years of GM earnings I would be set forever.

I am sure there would be a line of people waiting to give you "a break"! Where do you want it, arm, leg? I agree with justaguy and the others saying this is a bad move. LOOK AT WHAT IT IS GOING TO DO TO JANESVILLE! I know you nearsighted people are just looking at the month of May, how about a year from now? NOW we really are going to be a ghost town. My husband started work at GM in 1959 and yes, it was a low paying job and they worked their arses off. What kind of job do you have, The_One? Mind sharing? Yes it has been 2 years for some to find a job, THERE ARE NO JOBS OUT THERE!!! Why do you think this country is in an economic crisis? Even I am smart enough to realize that!! Superwoman, you hit it right on the head! What is Janesville going to do now? Less tax paying adults and we already are screaming about paying a 6% tax levy for schools. All you negative posters, put all your posts side by side on the different articles, this one, the one on the levy for schools, the tea party one, even the Redneck fest, do you see any similarities? I do, you all need to pull your heads out of the sand and realize what is happening to all of America. It is sad and now, like me, I hope we all are getting mad! I predict a revolution in this year at some point, mark my words!

Come on! This is exactly why I come on here preaching, “Please use a little COMMON SENSE people!” GM workers are going to try to sell to those of us who live in the real world that you’re upset that you have to relocate? Are you kidding me! Trying to make everyone feel sorry for, “you displaced workers”, but this one is the best, the argument “It’s unfair… We only get four days to make a decision, poor me!” Really? Are you kidding me?

It’s more like you’ve had TWO YEARS! However, this time there is no one to bail you out!

Two years is ample time to … a) Go to school…b) Find a job… c) Continue to provide for your families. Instead, you choose to sit at home, not work, and collect your benefits. Well the well has run dry and now everyone is coming out of the woodwork wanting to plead to us in the real world how “this isn’t fair.”

I mean look at this quote:

From Justaguy:

“If they (non-GM employees) should bash anyone it should be GM it's self for moving jobs out of the US. I'm ashamed of all these low life GM bashers, one day they will lose their job, let's see who cries then ... Grow up.”

Geez…First off it’s not “it’s self”… It’s “itself.” Anyway, why should we blame them? They are offering a job transfer for the same wage and benefits when they really don’t have to. They could just wait until your time expires and hire some kid at half your pay. However, they didn’t. They offer you two years of free money, buyouts, and job transfer. Instead, you pass on the buyouts, chose not to change careers, and now don’t have a job set up. Common sense tells me that that’s bad planning, or no planning on your part. You see that’s the problem with GM employees. They feel that GM owes them, so they should fix all their problems because after all “Its GM’s fault I’m in this situation.” It’s like the employees just expect anyone and everyone to take care of you.

Well, the way I see it's like this. It’s funny it’s kind of like a small scale version of “Darwinism”, where only the strong will survive. Had you or anyone else in this situtation had the forsight to see that GM is gone, nothing is for free, and it takes effort on YOUR part to survive, then you would have put in your applacation when jobs were still available, been employeed, and still able to stay in the area without suddenly (if you call two years sudden) relocating your family. But no, now we all have to hear how terrible you have it, how we’ll all be sorry, and those of us who stay are DOOMED, soon to fall in to the next Great Depression. Give me a break!!!

GM decided to close the Janesville plant before the contract was up, that is why they are paying for the moves and anything else the workers are getting, the workers had nothing to do the the closing. I'm pretty sure GM paid off it's debt to us people so that's no factor. You forget the the GM workers paid in taxes just like anyone else and I'm sure they still are. People by nature cry when someone next to them gets something just abit better then what they have and that's what you have here, people crying/bashing over something they didn't get. Yes I wish I could have those same benefits but I don't, i'm just doing ok but cry about it? no i'm abit more grown up then that.

I am not a GM'er. I am happy for those that take it and can get back to work. For those that turn it down, I wish you the best of luck in finding a job.

With that being said, GM IS STICKING IT TO JANESVILLE BY DOING THIS. Uprooting families and pulling from the local tax base. Does anyone else see what they could do to the local economy ? How many children will be taken from the schools (at $10,000/child) ? How many tax paying adults will be taken from the City ? This leaves the rest of us to pay the differences. The City of Janesville better be getting on the phone trying to get corporations in the city.

I certainly shouldn't focus more on the pay. It's all the other benefits the GM employees get even after they are laid off. When I first learned that they were getting a substantial amount of money to move their families to other states, I was astounded. GM needed to pay back the government, but I don't quite understand how they could be forking out thousands and thousands of dollars to their laid-off workers. The sub-pay I get. But, the medical, dental, relocating expenses (at first count I was told they were going to get $75,000 to relocate, then it went down into the $30,000 range), or even the buy-out is what I don't understand. All of this is handed to GM worker's who are laid-off and some of them don't realize what they really have here. Will I purchase another GM vehicle, probably not, but it isn't because of the employees. It is because I don't believe in what GM stands for. Unfortunately, Janesville is paying for GM's mistakes. It's really too bad, because it was a nice place to raise kids.

I also get a kick out of that "real world" statement, I'm sure there was no crying when the 6 figures were coming in. Those are the chances you take with no union behind you. Both my brother and dad worked at GM and both retired before they closed but auto work is no party, good pay yes and i'll bet anyone of you GM bashers would have jump at a job for GM. Maybe it's bcuz you couldn't get in all the tears are falling? Woooo: you say here comes all the crying from the workers, guess what ... you were the first one in here to do any crying ... what a PUTZ

I can honestly say that I could have never worked at GM. I am not strong enough to lift the weight that many are expected to. I could not stand and complete the same task over and over again. I do not begrudge any GM worker for making the kind of money that they do. In 1995, I know many individuals who applied to GM. Their interviewing process was much more grueling than my professional job. First, they had to take an IQ test, if they passed that they receive another call. Then they had to take another test and it assessed how well they could work with people. Next, came the interview and finally the drug test. I had one interview for my job. Was your interview process this difficult?

Now, lets talk about the "free" education. Well, anyone in the state who is laid-off may be enrolled in the dislocated workers program. It has been clearly stated in this paper. It doesn't just apply to GM, Lear, and LSI workers. Again, if you are laid-off you are eligible for this offer.
Lastly, a majority of the 400 and some individuals who are still on the GM roster are going to school. Many graduate next week. They would like to try finding a job in this area. I can understand why they are upset. They spend a year or two going to school so they can find a job in this area. They are graduating in a week, and they have to make a decision to stay or go. If they decide to leave, they are the lucky ones because they get to leave this mess behind. Personally, I hope they stay because I don't want to see the value of our home slide any further. Even though I don't work at GM, its closure has really effected the value of my main asset that I've worked years to build equity in.
Best of luck GMer's!

Wow! So many issues, where should I begin?
First, I am not a GM worker. However, I am PROUD to say I am a product of the GM company. Yes, my grandfather and father worked at the GM plant. My dad has stated when he began working at the plant in the 60's, GM was considered a "bad" job. Yes, people a BAD job that paid very little. Anyone that wanted to could get a job at GM. When I was younger I remembered my dad worked at GM and a local gas station up the road from where I lived. He also did side jobs like roofing. It was common for GM workers to hold two jobs. However, thanks to the union fighting for better wages and fair treatment of their employees GM workers were given a cost-of-living raise. Due to the cost-of-living raise, GM went from being a "bad" paying job to a descent paying job to a good paying job. My father stopped working at the gas station. He no longer did any side jobs. While I was in high school, he worked six to seven days a week. Sometimes he even worked two shifts. His hard work paid for my college education. So, I would consider myself a product of this plant. The money he made educated myself and my two siblings. As a result, I am loyal to GM. GM provided me an opportunity for an education; I hold two bachelor's degrees and a master's degree.
After reading most of the blogs, it seems as though most people's gripe with GM is the pay it's employees made. Like I said earlier, there was a time when GM didn't pay so well. While GM wages went up, other industries stagnated or went down. To me, the middle class needs to stop tearing other people down for being fortunate enough to work at a place like GM and fight for higher wages for everyone else. If we continue down the path we're going, there will no longer be a middle class. The middle class is fighting against the middle class and the winners are the corporate big wigs.
I have read every blog for the last two years. Such hatred this community has for GM workers. What I find so ironic is that these workers are your friends, family, and neighbors. They are members of your church who volunteer their time. They are your children's football, basketball, soccer, and baseball coaches. They give to the community of their time and money. Yet, you are the first ones to complain about them. I would love to see you put your name to your blogs! Such cowardliness!

I'm not finished...my text is too long. I will be sending an additional blog soon.

That's what a good union does for you and if you had them behind you I bet we'd hear less crying from the GM bashers, you can tell the ones that have nothing .... wooooo

“Real World”? I keep hearing that mentioned. Working, a job at GM or any other place is not a utopian experience. We all have obligations, housing and support for our self and our families. This so-called “real world” statement has no meaning or definition.

What my husband wouldn't have given to be offered a job in another state rather than just being laid off. He went from a 6-figure salary to just unemployment. No medical benefits, unless of course you wanted to pay for Cobra, which was almost $1000 per month---we ended up finding our own health insurance, but still cost us almost $300 per month (not quite one unemployment check). There was no severence package--NOTHING! I thank the Lord every day that he was able to find a job in Nothern WI three months later. Yes, we have to move, try and sell our house, uproot our child. So what, we are both just so thankful that he was able to get a job in such a short time. In no way, will I complain about having to leave friends and family. Granted GM screwed a lot of people, but the workers have no idea what it is like in the real world.

Why doesn't the Gazette staff shut this blog down?? What is the purpose of it? Scott-Please comment why this blog is still up?

Many were getting re-trained and now that has been cut off too. So you have a bunch of half re-trained people in a town with no job opportunities and an amazing amount of bitterness and anger. 800+ a week? Fuzzy math is an amazing thing.

BY BY go to work or quit the gravy train.

Yes it sucks these workers were given an ultimatum but what were they hoping for or waiting for anyway? The people who have this decision to make did it to themselves. Im willing to bet that not many of them put in for transfer to another plant. Why would they? They were collecting 800+ a week for waiting on GM to do something.Im sure they were hoping for another buyout or something. It just shows ignorance or laziness to wait this long hoping and not doing something to create your own destiny. You were waiting for GM and now you've got them. I would gladly take a 28$/hr job even if I had to relocate. I work 40+ hrs/wk and only get about half what the GM workers have been getting for the last 18 months for doing nothing! What have all you GMers been doin all that time anyway? Waiting for GM to do something. Now you have a decision to make and its about time. I understand its not what any of you were hoping for but you gambled and now its time to play the hand you were delt or fold!

I hope I didn't come across as a "GM- Basher" before. That wasn't my intent. I did want to say that those people on layoff have known for 18 months or more that a transfer was coming. Yes - moving can be very inconvenient, and some may have obligations that may prevent them from taking this opportunity, and that is sad. However, the bottom line is that this is an opportunity to go back to work. If you skip it, then don't sit and complain about there being no jobs for you. You have your chance...what will it be?

"Relocation" indicates an unstable economy and country.

Honestly people you're very lucky to have a way out and don't sweat the moving. For the record I experienced relocation because of work numerous times. First time I was 7 and my father moved us to Phoenix for his work. It lasted the school year and we'd moved back to Janesville and different school then when I left town. 1 year later back to Mesa AZ and at the end of the school year another move to Scottsdale because my parents built a new home so another new school. Luckily we'd stayed there till the end of my 7th grade year. During that time the school district had changed the zones and I ended up going to a different school than most of my friends the last year. Just before my 8th Grade year we moved to Santa Fe again for my Dad's work. He was in Sales for a national company and if you wanted to move up you literally had to relocate without question or complaint as needed. The ugly corporate head reared it's head again shortly after July 4th holiday and my Dad said we'll be moving to Bay Village Ohio which is near Cleveland a few weeks before my Freshman year was going to start. I was able to finish High school and College in Ohio and moved back to Janesville to help take care of my mother who had serious health problems. My father passed away my Senior year in High School so she had no one else and I was glad to come back and help. Figured it was a temporary move. I've been here ever since and like everywhere there are good and bad. It was my choice to stay and it's still that way. I'm self employed importing products from Israel and China so where I live is my choice. My only reason for sharing my story is to say life goes on and yes it can be hard but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Kids will adapt to change and my belief will be better for it. New friends, schools, experiences, homes are part of life. Embrace it and learn from it. Be glad you have a way out because Rock county will be a hard place for another 5-10 years.

Some of these posts today are a reflection of an unUnited America unlike the Greatest Generation who supported each other.

Have anyone ever heard of "united" we stand "divided" we fall?! It's a wonder that the organization pulled up stakes and left! You people need to stop it and be more supportive of one another. How do you live?! I do not live in Janesville (Thank God!), but vitsit on a regular basis. It is virtually a ghost town. There is nothing there! Now I know and understand why the town is drying up and withering away. No community support and too much hatred! May God have mercy upon your divided community.

As I've said before, I would have been more than happy to shoulder the burdens of holding the community up. Unfortunately the closed system that GM operated in wouldn't allow my sacrifice.

You want to know at least one reason companies are not coming into Janesville? Look at the comments in this blog from our "supportive community".

Got to love those GM bashers, you can tell they have no life. They have no idea that GM people still are helping Janesville and they will suffer once GM really is out of town for good, I'm sure to be one suffering also but would never kick someone when they lose their job. If they should bash anyone it should be GM it's self for moving jobs out of the US. I'm ashamed of all these low life GM bashers, one day they will lose their job, let's see who cries then ... Grow up.

Rascal, you summed it up also! Good job. A lot more going out of Janesville than coming in. People and jobs, period.

Good job, lilbit! Maybe now people will understand. How can someone or a family just pick up and leave? Leave behind family, friends, etc? Again, I state, very, very sad! JMO

You either work where you live, and accept the fact you may not like the job and pay, or you live where you work. You make the choice and you must live with it. I have moved five times in my working life, and lived in a hotel for a few months when it was necessary to move quickly. I could have stayed in my original small town and be scrapping out a living with people I grew up with, but I didn't. Thank God some of you are getting a choice to take an equivalent job. You can choose to go or don't but don't blame anyone else for giving you the opportunity.

Congratultions Janesvile GM haters, you are well on the way to becoming the next Flint Mi. Like the Titanic it takes time to sink to the bottom. Bon Voyage to your local economy./

4 days to decide whether you want a job or not?? That's terrible considering I watched 2 friends get walked out with no notice much less a choice! They were 2 of 150 that got "walked out" with FIVE minutes to pack their stuff. No more benefits, employment is running out, no jobs to be found.....I'm sure they would've loved to have that choice these people have.

lolcheers- Are you kidding me? Where in my post did you see anything about drugs or me not knowing where my money went? I made it very clear where my money went but let me explain it in terms that you can understand. Sometimes a mommy and daddy have a savings account. Sometimes Mommy and Daddy both lose their jobs in the same year.(No, Mommy didn't work at GM) so they have to use their savings to pay things called bills and buying food to put in their children's tummies.Sometimes Mommy and Daddy even spend some money to do something fun with their kids.Daddy even spent money on school so he could get a new job. After a year goes by, Mommy and Daddy don't have their savings anymore. Now Mommy and Daddy go out every day and look for new jobs. Is that clear enough?

"lilbit" thanks for keeping the gm drug dealer in buisness. sorry you dont know what happened to your money all these years.

Does anyone posting negatively on here realize the General Motors started this town? What a shame everyone is bashing these poor people. Would you like to leave your friends, your family, the only town you have ever lived in? I would say not! You all can sit behind a computer and post stupid posts. Think about all these families leaving the area, what then? Janesville is in for a sorry reality check. My dad worked at Jatco, if we would have had to uproot, it would have been mom and dad and 5, yes 5 children! Change schools, change doctors, change pharmacys, change friends, leave family, I think this would really suck big time. No one is crying for GM, just facing the harsh reality that these families have right now. I am glad it isn't me, I could never leave my grandkids, let alone my kids. Good luck to all, wish I could wave a magic wand and make it easier for your families!

What makes this decision even tougher is who knows how long the Lordstown plant will stay busy? Could be a few years or a few months. Good luck to all who make the move.

The GM bashers will be still at it long after GM is just a faint memory. Too bad there's such ignorance in the city of my birth. GM provided ALL of the citizens with a much better living no matter where they worked and made Janesville a thriving small city for nearly 100 years. Let's see where the next big boost comes from? All you GM haters ought to be coming up with the ideas to replace those thousands of better than average paying jobs. Of course talk is cheap and all the jobs are now in China!

I'm sorry that I didn't realize how priveleged I really was. I was probably outside trying to find all those toys everyone keeps talking about. Oh, wait, I don't have toys. I saved, I planned and things didn't work out. Savings is gone, plans are gone, family is still here. I hope you bashers realize what hypocrites you really are. You've been bashing GM workers for years for what they make and calling them greedy. Then you turn around and bash them for not wanting to leave their lives and families so that they can make he same wage. Why are we being bashed for being willing to work for way less and still be with our families? Isn't that what you wanted? I think that you are so prejudiced that it doesn't matter what we do, you'll find something to criticize.

Mirror...very well put.

I feel bad for everyone - Lear, LSI, GM workers - who had to make some tough choices when GM closed. I feel even worse for those who stayed and and took the retraining opportunities. There are no jobs for them here when they finish, and will probably have to move anyway. Those getting the transfer notices have to choose - finish school or or go to Lordstown - which by the way is a dumpy city. Our family will stay, and thank god we have options. We will watch this town crumble under the weight of its own narcissism. It will be sad. But hey, maybe we can become a bedroom community for Rockford and Madison once the property values plummet. Think of all those empty Wuthering Hills houses - the average guy will finally be able to buy one if he can hold on to his $12/hr job! Used Tahoes, boats and 4-wheelers will be sold for a song! Reality is, the big chain restaurants and stores will close eventually - because of higher taxes and less disposable income in the area. Maybe it will be your job that is gone next. Or maybe the job fairy will come and attract new industry and business to J-town and everything will be great again. My best wishes and prayers to the families struggling with a tough choice this Mother's Day weekend. May God see us all through to a better tomorrow.

And for those of you who think this is a dying town and there's nothing left here... move. Nothing is keeping you here but you. Janesville may be going through a rough time, but we will survive. And we'll be better off in the long run. It was irresponsible and downright stupid for this city to be so dependent on ONE company.

I read the article in Gazette today and it sounds like some people want something for nothing yet. Sounds like some people still want the money and sit on their duff and do nothing. I worked at GM for years, when the plant shut down, my wife and I decided we were going to stay here. Yes I used money from the dislocated workers program and retrained and got another job making almost as much money as I did working for GM. I want to thank the people of Wisconsin for that also. I would have gone to school whether it was there or not, but I still thank the people of Wisconsin for the money for retraining. I work more than 40 hrs. per week, but the pay check is about the same. I had to go look for it and not sit on my duff doing nothing like I know some people did and are still doing. I know a lot of people who took transfers when they had choices to where they wanted to go. For the people who are going to cry about not have a choice, you had choices before and you still have choices now. I choose to stay here and believe me there is life after GM.

You don't have to take the transfer. It's your choice. You don't have to uproot your family. It's your choice. Yes, it sucks that you have only a few days to make up your mind. But it still comes down to this: It's your choice. The company I work for operates the same way. If you put in for a transfer, they give you less than a week to report to work. However, you KNOW this. You plan accordingly. And.. you don't get help with moving expenses.

Look around, yep. Look around at the houses being sold for 30% less. Look around where are we on the forbes list? 391! 397 is the worst. I am sorry i guess there are 6 other places in worse shape. Janesville recovering? Please.

Again, are we suppose to feel sorry for GM. They have been receiving benefits for no work. I know many people, including family, who have had to move to find work. Why do so many think GM people should be allowed to stay in Janesville forever and not work. Look around, Janesville is recovering without GM. It will be a blessing in the long run.

Oh well, the bright side is, they must be selling cars to need people to go back to work. So much for legacy costs. My guess is, Gm is planning on many of these people refusing, so they can cut costs. My gripe is, what about all the money that has been wasted, and dedicated solely for the purpose to retrain laid off auto workers. Now the publics money has really gone to waste, as many common folk were not allowed access to special funds. I think the Gazette should run an article on just how much money was spent retraining these people, and exacly how many are chosing to take this move, and the dollar figure it has cost Jon Q Public.

jemandbjm I agree, it is so hard to up and move a family with such short notice.
The ones that still degrade the GM workers are no more then jealous fools who didn't make the bucks that the GM workers did.IMO Apparently the ones being so negative have no family values or a heartfelt connection to the place they call home. Beeferer well said. GM was the backbone of this community and when it shut down most of Janesville went down and those who can't admit this need to research what we have lost since they left. I feel for the workers that have to uproot their life and family on a short notice as they do have roots and family here. To all you who think this is easy try telling family they have to leave their life behind and see how your kids feel, look at the hurt in their eyes and then tell me it is not that bad. IMO some of the ones who ost in here are not tied to family values and must not care how their loved ones feel.

i am SOOOO glad i got transferred to Ft Wayne. The attitude of the GM bashers is to much. yea i have two cars.... one in Ft Wayne and the wife has one here. two computers.... one in Ft Wayne.... one here.... no boats, no cabins, no snowmobiles.....NONE of the so called "TOYS" and am i crying... no and i never have. just tryed to inform the BASHERS of the facts. Well.. no more. i've had it with this paper and the NEGATIVITY. you bashers be PROUD that your in one of the 10 WORST counties to find a job in. one of the LEAST desirable to locate in. it was on TV this past week here i'm told. I've moved on and not looking back anymore. Have fun Bashers.... ........

I remember when those poor GM workers had to have big screen tvs brought into the plant so they could watch the Pack. Its that kind of smug attitude that has me against the poor auto worker. I also remember way back going to a Beloit Brewers game on GM nite. I wasn't an employee so I couldn't receive a free key chain. The Corp went down along with Prime
Cast (So. Beloit) where was the out cry for us? Get real GM'ers You had it great for many years. If you would had settled for just a little less maybe us poor folk could had afforded to buy chevy. I had friends who worked at GM and Chrysler. It was sickening to be around them for all the bragging. Offer me to move and a job and I'm gone!

Some people act as though every person that works at GM has a cabin up north, 2 brand new cars every year, a huge house with a huge mortgage, a boat, 4 wheeler 2 motorcycles, 3-60 inch tvs, and a butler to boot. What is wrong here? The REAL GM people that I know have a house and maybe a car payment. gone are the days of getting a new car every 2 or 3 years, that was in the 70s when cars were cheap, and gas was 75 cents..

such a rough life when you get offered a job theses days. sell those nice new toys and put your family first. you'll learn you dont need 2 new gm cars a year. its not that bad, come on step it up a notch gm'r

Well Said!

Wow! Some of you should look back and read what you posted (In haste, I hope). So negative. Such poor attitude. Here is a story in our local paper about the time finally coming. GM'ers knew this was coming and were waiting for it. They have their ducks in a row. They have been checking out the area that they will call their new home. They have been in contact with friends already in the plants that they will be transferring to. I am in a situation where I have a big new house all paid for. I have enough time to retire. I planned on sticking around here for the rest of my life. All of my ducks are in a row. But, with the attitude and atmosphere of this area, I can't wait to get out. If it weren't for aging parents in the area, I would be writing this from another state. Can we say "sour grapes"? Shame on you- you know exactly who you are! I want all who read my post to know I am not one of "them". I hold doors open for people. I don't wait until they are close enough to enter and then SLAM the door in their face!

It is about time!

there are two types of transfers. voluntary and forced. Voluntary a worker can choose and reject up to 3 choices of plants at their discretion the 4th they must take of loose benefits etc. the other is forced. it is usually when a plant is closed and workers are needed at another plant and not enough voluntary transfers take spots. i chose to go voluntarily to where i wanted to go. i'm now in Ft Wayne and only see my family every other week at best. After all, Forbes magazine called Rock County one of the WORST places to live and try and find a job..... there aren't any out there to be had....God knows i tried......

BYE BYE!!!! maybe you can afford to fly home. welcome to the real world.

Short notice,yes. Pain in the "blank", yes. difficult transition for kids, yes. Great opportunity to get out of a dying city, yes. Don't look back and thank your lucky stars that you have a job and way out.

Maybe some people were wanting to get jobs in the local area, because they actually like living here. Maybe people wanted to stay because their parents are old and need someone to help out and family is important to them. Maybe people wanted to stay because they have a spouse that is in school and needs their support. Maybe people stayed because they have lived here for 50 years!
There are no jobs here....Have you seen the paper? But some people have needed to stay here to take care of other people. Judge not.

So typical. When complaining about schools and teachers, so many are saying "take some cuts and be happy you have a job", but those same voices now complain that the job offer isn't fair. What's not fair? Expecting people to work for a living? Yes - moving quickly can be complicated, but if you are laid-off GM and haven't made plans (over the past 18 months) to be prepared to move quickly, then shame on you.

TO lilbit
You say GM only gave you 4 days to make a choice, but the other guys got 3 weeks. Did GM tell you this was going happen this way after those guys got a three week notice?
One thing that can be said to GM workers don't take the GM Government job so somebody else can have, case closed.

Like I said before, it's hard to make choices and come up with a game plan when GM keeps changing the rules. I applaud those who leave, live in a motel or temp houseing and send their money home to keep the family going here. Sooner or later they will figure out it's not worth killing themselves to live like that and they will move their family out of Janesville and start a new life somewhere else. Hubby will most likely be forced to take early retirement from GM and find something else to do. We will leave Janesville too and locate closer to Madison where my job is at. Hoping the kids will follow...there's nothing left in this town anymore and it's not worth the hassel of commute to stay here while our jobs are elsewhere.

I applaud Generous Motors for finally putting a little pressure on these people. Congrats!!!

doesn't sound much different then it was in 2008, once you got offered the transfer you had a few days to accept and then 2 weeks before you had to report to work at the new plant. and back then those 2 weeks were spent working at the janesville plant. many of those guys went down and stayed in a hotel until they could find a place to live.

There's this term called "choices".. if people choose to transfer great, but, those who say "I have to transfer" I have no choice are missing out on the finer things in life! This isn't just about the GM workers either. It's for anyone that allows their "job" to dictate their life! I'll bet there aren't many people who if on their death bed would say "please, let me get one more day at work away from my family!"

To the General Motors "BASHER"
I'd say your abit left of the real picture.
In the long run,you'll be the ones who suffer.
General Motors forces all the old workers out of this area. Who will pay for the goods a services? You will! What, you think taxes and services will get cheaper for you? No,your cost is going to rise! Gov will get the funds from somewhere. If and when they "EVER" reopen the Janesville plant. I really hope they do. I hope your the first in line to apply for a job,and if you pass all the tests,I hope you get that job. "Heed" these words you will make less than half the money, you will recieve NO bennies! Dr.Excuses don't work! If you can't do the job "THERES THE DOOR" If you miss your gone! Oh and all those services you'll be paying for at half the wages! You'll still be paying them! IE notice the school board just raised taxes 6%. So MISTER BASHER,I can't wait to hear it from you next year!

Im tired of hearing about poor me from the laid off GM workers. You people have been living the life of eas ever since the plant closed. Im proud of the ones that took the buyouts and got on with thier lives. The rest of you that have hung on sucking dry the company for doing nothing must now suck it up and get back to work or get off the gravy train

These days a job is a job. Of course it is tough to uproot your family and move, but people do that every day. Yes it is short notice, but there are a lot of people that would move in a heartbeat (no pun intended) if given a chance at a good job in this economy. You cant sit on your but and collect unemployment the reat of your life and the Janesville plant isnt opening up any time son if ever. You should be thankful that you have a job. In the end it is about being able to support your family.

For those of you that seem to "know it all", here are a few facts. These workers were told that they were able to turn down two transfer offers and if they turned down a third, they would lose all benefits. This is our first"offer", if you can call it that but there is no option to turn it down. You take it or you're done. The letter arrived on Friday and we have until Tuesday to decide. Let's see you decide how to totally uproot your family and your life in 4 days. The other guys that went got to choose where they went and had time to make the decision. This came out of the blue. Some of us have situations that make it impossible to leave. My gripe isn't that they're trying to force people to leave,it's the way they did it. If you're going to ask something like this, then you need to give some notice. 3 weeks is not enough time to find a place to live, make arrangements at home, etc. So to all of you who are convinced that you know exactly what you'd do, you obviously don't value family as much as you think you do. You give up being there for the rest of your child's time at home. As for my family, we'll struggle but we'll still be here together.

Listen to all the GM bashers/cryers .. you people still green with envy I see, and no i'm not or ever have been a GM worker. I'm sure most will be happy to take the job offered them but I get a kick out of the crying the non GM people do ... Grow up.

The problem is that they got to choose. Many of the people who are getting the take it or leave it to Lordstown have transfer requests in for other plants that have openings. Instead GM is forcing them to choose Lordstown. The people that left got their choice. And how many of us could afford a mortgage and rent, and do it all in 2 weeks.

Ya gotta do what you gotta do. Every laid off GM worker knows what could come down the road. If they wanted out they should have taken the buyout or retired. Kids need to understand too. And if the parents have talked to them they will know they may have to move. Look at the ones that have already left the area and gone to Missouri, Indiana, Texas, and wherever else.

Tell that to your kids when they come home from school. Hey kids "I gotta move in 2 weeks, not sure how often I will see you". How can anyone move their lives in 2 weeks, most people have houses or apartments that they have a lease or a mortgage on. They don't just get to crash at a friends house and move from place to place. They have responsibilities. Hey, you got 2 days to decide and 2 weeks to be 500 miles from the only place you have called home for the last 40 or 50 years. That might sound cool when you are 20 something hey a new experience. But when you have family, Children in school a spouse, community ties for 50 years come on...

a job is a job. Be thankful and pack your bags.

Ok everybody when the so called factory rats leave get ready to belly up the extra taxes for schools and running the city's. I would guess this community has lost about 3,000,000.00 plus per week with GM and all the satellite plants gone. Now what do you think of them laze auto workers.Their leaving Dodge and taking their money with them. I hate that when that happens!

O BOY here comes the CRYING from the workers.O I have to leave O NO.