G.M. Employee Update

Many G.M. workers showed up at the blood drive today. The workers said theyve been staying busy by fixing up their homes or working on the lawn. And they all shared one thing; they are ready to get back to work. At the blood drive, G.M. workers had a chance to see co-workers they havent see in weeks. But Other than spending a few hours giving blood, how have G.M. workers been staying busy during the temporary layoff? Brian Bartz says “I have put about 600 miles on the motorcycle.” G.M. worker Mark Newman says he has been working on “odds and ends around the house.” And another worker says he has been “trying to do stuff around the yard, mowing and things like that.” Since the announcement of G.M. temporary layoffs, the company has filed for bankruptcy. Under the bankruptcy plan the American public now owns 60 percent of the auto-maker. Chrysler is in a similar situation, they filed for bankruptcy back in April. Hummer is being sold off to Chinese based company, and GM’s Saturn brand will be sold to Penske Automotive group. Fort Wayne workers say that G.M. will no longer be the same company it once was. Bartz says “Hopefully they wont go back to the old G.M. thats all I am worried about.” Many workers say the temporary layoffs have been an emotional roller coaster, and they are ready to get back to work. Newman says “Its kind of hard to say. If you dont know if you have a job or not, thats the biggest thing ya know. G.M workers who apply for unemployment during the temporary layoffs are receiving benefits.