Still no details on the layoffs, which is worse to me than knowing outright what is going to happen. To say that everybody is stress would be an understatement of the year. Just get it over with, already!
http://herald-review.com/news/local/adm-layoff-details-scarce-community-leaders-ready/article_c11eaf02-1fe9-5f2f-9018-1321a600cb4a.html
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) -- The area's largest employer is handing out dozens of layoff notices. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) announced it's laying off 175 employees.
The community is starting to worry. Monday and Tuesday, 175 positions were eliminated. More layoffs are coming and many now wonder where to go from here.
"You build your career around a place and then, all at once, they say, 'We don't need you anymore.' It's got to be tough on them."
A tough position for hundreds of community members. John Foster worked for ADM for three decades and says it never gets easier knowing hard-working people are now left wondering where to turn next.
"I think it's really hard on the people. I've been working there for a long time. That's kind of hard on them basically when it's kind of like a surprise."
The company, which employs more than 4,800 people, says the move is estimated to save more than $100 million. In January, the company warned cuts were coming, but Foster says it's the uncertainty of when which hurts the most.
"About the people who have been laid off, it's a gamut from corporate office down to just common people, like me. Only just laid off, now they got to worry about their families."
People say they're disappointed to hear good-paying jobs will be leaving the area, but community leaders are already standing by and gearing up to help as many find alternatives as possible.
"Economy is not a straight line. There's highs and lows, there's business cycles. There's going to be ups and downs, so whatever we can do to help take the peaks and valleys out of it, we want to do that. One of the things we can do is help people stay employed and get re-employed in other places."
McCrady is just one of several community leaders trying to get the message out that, even during a tough time, there are opportunities for light at the end of the tunnel.
"I can't stop it and I can't prevent it but, what I can do, I'm going to try to do is provide a soft place for someone to land by providing these other opportunities."
An ADM spokesperson says the company will be offering financial planning services to help people transition through the difficult times.
There will also be a job fair in the coming weeks. The Decatur Economic Development Corporation is standing by to offer any assistance to get people back into the workforce instead of leaving town.
ADM offered an early retirement package for those recently let go. 160 employees in Decatur took it. The company employs more than 4,800 people.
Amen
I agree, the wait is unbearable