Plant in question

[rhctp]

I just want to know what everyone else thinks about this situation. Our shop has been through 3 owners in the past 5 years, and we have just had another buy us out. Well after a big corporate meeting they come back and tell us that they are taking one of our presses out. Now you have to realize that it cost 1.4 million to move a C700. I have been told over and over that the shop will stay open, but I have my doubts. There are 3 positions locally that I can go for that I am fully qualified for, but if I don't get them and Corporate finds out I could be out of a job. Any suggestions?

[Pointyhat]

I'd apply for the other jobs. As long you don't tell anyone, the company your applying to is obligated to keep it confidential untill they actually hire you and then what do you care?

[Lammy]

Unfortunately you can not trust the owners when they tell you the plant is not closing. It's not in their best interest to tell you the truth if it is. You just have to look around you and take the best guess you can.

The worst that can happen is they find out your looking at other options and they fire you. You will be able to collect unemployment if that happens. I doubt they would do that though. They aren't going to want to be hiring new people if they are going under. Good luck. I've been there and it's no fun.

[mattbeals]

I'd go on the interviews. But if someone is willing to take out a press to try and save the company, i'd give them some time to see what difference it really ends up making. But out of self preservation, I might not wait too long to see.

[seetomtype]

I'd go ahead and apply to see if there was some good interest in your skills in
the local market. I agree with Lammy in that if they find out and fire you,
you still have unemployment to fall back on until you get rehired.


I would never trust a business to look out for my best interest, especially a
big corp. They may have your interests in mind right now, but the future is
always dificult to predict. Having sat in the manager's chair before, I know
that not all decisions are made with the employe in mind, especially when the
word comes from above to get rid of a worker.

I'm pretty cynical about such things in my world though...

[Jalan]

That many buyouts? I'd say you are lucky to still be there. I've seen this a lot and eventually, you'll most likely be cut. Cut the staff, bring some starving prepress and pressmen in for a fraction of what they were paying you. Some of the biggest costs are staff, so my boss tells me.
My recommendation is to look seriously at a new job. You may not be let go, but do you really wish to take the chance? If they turn it around with getting rid of the press, does that mean less need for all the employees?
This kinda stuff hit home real recent for me so I maybe a bit biased, just FYI.

Best of luck and keep your eyes open.

[JoePixel]

Definitely go for the interviews. You can even ask for a meeting off the site.

I went in for an interview a few years ago and saw one of the local paper vendors in the place. I was worried that he would mention me to my boss but he didn't.

If you get caught, just tell them that you are worried about the buyout and looking to see what options you have. If they are going to close the shop you won't get much notice, but if you are going to leave then you are supposed to give a two week notice, which is sort of screwed up.

Always always always look out for yourself. Companies don't care much about employees unless you have a really caring owner and from what it sounds like in your situation, you don't know much about the owner.

Also, when you go on the interviews you have some leverage. You still have a job. When you have something to fall back on you can always ask for more money, a better shift, more leadership, etc. Ask for the world so if they come down in price then you still make more than you are making now.

Just my own $.02

[seetomtype]

Joe hit the nail right on the head with that post ^

Aaaaaamen

[rhctp]

Thanks for all the replies. As far as getting unemployment that wouldn't even cover my child support much less my bills you only receive a little under $300.00/wk here. As far as them cuttting me out to make room for someone that will take less is a little unlikely. I am the Pre-Press Manager, Local Systems Admin, and over most of QA. I have tried to make myself as "needed" as possible. Again thanks for the replies.

[julyski]

Well, I recently was a victim of a plant closure from a big corporation. From what I know, if the plant is closing strictly due to a business decision, and not due to the company being flat broke, Federal law requires the employer to give the employee(s) at least 60 days notice. BUT, this is only true if the employee(s) have been employed with the company for at least 10 years. So, if there are people that have been working there for at least 10 years, then you can expect 60 days notices. Thay are only required to tell just those employees, but you know how word spreads through a plant, so you will know. I am not 100% sure about this, but I do believe this is true. There are other numbers too, like 5 year employees require 30 days and so on. If you want to look some stuff up. The legal term for this situation is a "dislocated worker". Good luck!