Jackson workers prepare for layoffs

A steady stream of Rubbermaid employees filed into a job fair Thursday afternoon in the basement of the University of Missouri extension office in Jackson.

In the coming weeks, 40 to 60 employees will lose their jobs in the second mass layoff at the local plant in the past several months. In August 2004, the Jackson plant laid off about 120 workers.

Several of the employees applied for new jobs. Others sought government-assisted job training or education under the federal Trade Readjustment Act.

The act allows laid-off workers who lose jobs to foreign competition to receive up to $13,000 to complete a two-year degree or vocational training, said Scott Sattler, work force development supervisor with the Missouri Career Center.

Sattler said the employees will only be able to train or receive education for jobs available in the area.

"I'm going to finish my GED since I don't have one," said Elsa Wilbanks, a 10-year Rubbermaid employee. "This month, I'll start taking classes. It's great because it's an opportunity to make myself better and I'm determined to do it. This is my chance."

In addition to Southeast Missouri State University and Career and Technology Center tables, eight local companies set up booths at the fair.

Less than an hour into the job search, Lori Smith, human resource manager with Dana Corp., had already accepted nine applications. She said Dana plans to hire about 10 people around May. The company hired four former Rubbermaid employees last year. Dana makes axle components for trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Larry Devenport was one of the early Dana applicants. He's been at the Rubbermaid plant for nearly 13 years. He only applied for jobs at two places because he didn't think the others could match the hourly wage he's making now.

"If you've got a family at home, you don't want to be unemployed. That's why I'm looking now before they drop the hammer on me," he said.

bmiller@semissourian.com

243-6635

HELPING EMPLOYEES WHEN COMPANIES CLOSE

The Dislocated Worker Program under the federal Trade Readjustment Act allows laid-off employees access to the following:

* An assesment of the worker's education, experience and skills.

* Assistance with basic education skills or in obtaining a General Equivalency Diploma.

* Skill training through classroom or vocational training.

* On-the-job training to provide laid-off workers the opportunity to train for a new job while working and earning a paycheck.

* Job development and placement assistance in high-demand occupations.

* Counselng to help workers overcome the trauma of job los, loss of health-care and other company benefits, strain of financial oblications, family problems, and uncertainties about remaining in the community.