more layoffs

We're sorry to report that another 43 long-time PL workers, some with 40 years of service, were recently terminated. This time PL fit just under the regulations of the WARN Act, requiring 60-day notice to employees, by laying off just under 50 people. That means people with decades into the company received no notice, no severance, virtually nothing from PL. Terminated employees were told to contact PL VP Frank Bacik with questions. In order for the company to pay severance, they need to petition the court for permission.  The court could say no, but the question must be asked for anything to happen. We encourage you to contact Frank Bacik and ask him why you were not given any severance. Tell him to ask the court to support severance for all long-time PL employees (PL switchboard is 764-2222).

Apparently all of Britt Lumber employees were given notice in early August (they fared a bit better than the PL employees on that front) that it will be closing entirely in October. However, some of Britt's operations will be moving to Scotia then.

Click here to see a letter to the newspaper from recently terminated employee Jack Steeves of Rio Dell .

Severance Workers

Judge Schmidt denied the motion to grant severance to 60 of the 90 terminated employees who were laid off just before the bankruptcy. To learn more, click on the following to see:

• Severance Final Decision 9-21-07
• Pacific Lumber's Motion to Pay Severance
• Scotia Pacific Motion to Pay Severance
• ASJE, HWC, MRC Letter of Support for the Motion
• ASJE, HWC Media Release
• Humboldt County Supervisor's Severance Support Letter to Noteholders
• Humboldt County Supervisors Severance Support Letter to Creditors
• Creditor's Committee Objection to Severance Motion
• Marathon's Objection to Severance Motion
• Times-Standard: Lender, committee buck PL's request to pay severance
• Letter from Mike and Caroyln Campbell about the severance

Upcoming Workshops

• Pension Issues, 2007, Location TBA, featuring US Steelworkers
• Life Under a Maxxam Bankruptcy, 2007, Kaiser Aluminum Worker's share their perspective

For more information on any of these workshops, or to suggest other workshop topics, contact ASJE at 498-4481 or bluegreen@asje.org.

Information on assistance programs

The Humboldt Community Switchboard (www.theswitchboard.org) has many services available to Humboldt residents. They can be reached at 441-1001.

The following people are available to help displaced workers with employment and job retraining. Call them, they want to help.

The Job Market (www.thejobmarket.org) in Eureka, 445-6149, is open to everyone, and has a self-directed philosophy. A huge smorgasbord of information is provided…you select what you need to conduct a successful job search. Trained staff are available to help you find new employment opportunities. Examples of services available at The Job Market include:

• The CalJOBS computerized job bank

• Internet job search

• Community resource information

• Local, state, regional, and national job listings

• Interest and skills assessment

• College and training school information

• Resume, interviewing, self-employment, and job search workshops

• Video library to learn about a wide variety of jobs

• Computer skills instruction

Job Market TV Ad

Re-employment services are specifically intended to serve workers experiencing a permanent layoff or business closure. First, information is provided regarding income maintenance (unemployment insurance), retraining options, financial planning, available social services, and available support for self-employment ventures or business purchase. You determine which, if any, of these offerings are right for you.

   Next, a professional Vocational Counselor will help you develop a personal reemployment plan, which may include:

• Individual assessment and vocational exploration

• Career counseling and labor market information

• Training plan development

• Assistance and guidance during training

• Resume preparation and interview practice

• Job search assistance

   Once you start a new job we stay in touch and provide more assistance and services to help you adjust to your new occupation.

   Re-employment services are provided at no cost and can provide financial support for:

• Tuition paid to an appropriate training facility

• School books, supplies, materials, and fees

• Transportation expenses at a specific rate

• Child care costs

• Basic tools of the trade

• On-The-Job Training reimbursements paid to employers

• Reasonable relocation costs, per specific formula

• License fees, exam charges, lodging costs, per diem

• Out of the area job search assistance per formula

• Other special needs and one-time services, on an individual basis

   If you are interested in these re-employment services or would like more information, please contact: Steve Hughes, 707-441-4642, shughes@co.humboldt.ca.us

Other resources

CA EDD, online unemployment application or 800-300-5616

CAL Jobs, www.caljobs.ca.gov on-line job and resume bank

Central Labor Council of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties:

Jim Smith 443-7371, Ernie Behm 442-1751

Division of Apprenticeship Standards web site to search for programs in Humboldt County or other parts of the state.

Humboldt County employment opportunities: co.humboldt.ca.us/jobs

Local Apprenticeship Information:

Ernie Behm 442-1751, Marianne Hassler 442-4286, Bob Borck 268-8230

Low Cost Prescriptions, www.RxHelpforCA.org

Surviving a Layoff, by Harry Dahlstrom

Tell us what you need. What would you like to see posted here?

Call ASJE at 707-498-4481 or email us at bluegreen@asje.org.