I knew this would happen, I talked to my husband about it a month ago when news that big three auto makers were in trouble first broke. My Husband and Son are truck drivers; they work for a company that delivers to and for General Motors. Yesterday my husband received a message that he was to pick up his pay check in person. In fact all the drivers were to pick up their checks instead of receiving them by mail. I told him that was an ominous sign and I felt he would be laid off. He and my Son went together this morning to pick up their checks and just as we expected they were laid off, the company said until February. My son's fiancé works at the GM plant on a cleaning contract, she got her walking papers last week.
I am a bit angry at the company for several reasons. The company held a Christmas breakfast/meeting last week. During the meeting they assured all the drivers that GM would not affect their jobs as they had other contracts and loads. Another thing that upsets me is this; if you do not give this company two weeks notice prior to quitting, they slash your pay and pay you only minimum wage; yet they gave no notice of this impending lay off. In fact after speaking with my husband yesterday, he called the company and asked if they were going to lay him off. The supervisor just gulped and never really answered him. That being said, I completely understand that they simply can't give work they don't have, I just wish they could have given us a little warning. My husband took this job after I injured my back. He chose this company because it is local and he could be home more and get home quickly in case of emergency. I fear he will now have to go back to long haul which means three weeks away from home with two days off a month.
We are going to be okay, my Husband and Son are Truck Drivers and though the industry is also seeing hard times, I am confident they will find work. I have to keep telling myself this, I have to stay positive. I have been watching the news and reading articles here on gather. Honestly I am scared to death.
A few weeks ago I won a Butterball turkey here on gather; this will be our Christmas dinner. I also won a book and some Christmas CD's; these will have a soothing effect on my life. Recently I was the beneficiary of Secret Santa; $250.00. We were having a very difficult time because of the time my husband had to take for emergency family leave when I injured my back, now things are going to be a lot tougher. I am so grateful to Gather for the gifts we have received. It will definitely be a Gather Christmas. I can not express in mere words what your help has meant to our family.
God Bless you and Merry Christmas!
Apryl still just Apryl
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 36
I don't know why, I knew this was going to happen but I am still crying, Crazy right?
I am very sorry. The holidays can be stressful enough, know that I am thinking of you, and things WILL get better!
Jennifer- Yes, I am so thankful for this community!
Peter- me too! Hugs~
I cannot even imagine what would happen if Matt lost his job. He would find something else quickly, but it would probably pay a lot less than what he's making; not even enough to cover the mortgage. He's already take a HUGE cut since most of his customers aren't spending money like they were. The real money is in those sales commissions!
Renita- I'm trying. I am thankful that your husband has job security, I pray things get better for you.
Anne- You and I talked about this last night, I pray they can find work SOON! We were behind to begin with and now this.
My thoughts and Prayers are with you.
I Pray they both find jobs.
I'm so sorry you got this news and especially right before Christmas.
You are not alone.
I count my blessings as I see people all around me (in auto-making country) lose jobs and homes. My husband is in the trucking industry. He runs a facility and it breaks his heart to tell his drivers there is no work. He is concerned about his own job at the moment. Maybe we will have to move elsewhere to where the economy is better. I'm in one of - if not the worst hit states for this recession.
You are stong. You will prevail. I know it.
Here's hoping for some more blessings to come your way.
have lots of unexpected blessings for you!
Cristina
(I know, easy for ME to say!)
I am glad that Gather has wonderful people.