The Slumping Economy ..........

[Drew Good]

The Slumping Economy has claimed 2 more victims......

Yep, my wife and I are to be givin our "official notices" tommorrow that we are to be laid off indefinately effective Nov.7, we were told in a meeting yesterday. A little over a year ago we were building 111 trucks a day and employed over 2000 people, by November that will be reduced to 38 trucks a day and only employ 618.

I guess that's the downfall to both of us working at the same place, you feel it twice as hard when bad times come.We had enticipated my wife getting laid off but not me as I have been there for a lot longer than her but the cuts were very very deep and they managed to get me by 50 people.

So for the first time in 14 years I get to start looking for a job, any dog pro's hiring?? I can really throw a mean duck :cheesy: :cheesy:

Drew

Edit:

I guess I should say that I work at Sterling Trucks.....

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2008/07/17/6180956-sun.html

[Sharon]

I am very sorry to hear that Drew.

You're a very capable person with lots of skills, something will work out for you.

[franklauzon]

Shit Drew, that's terrible news... Hope you manage to line something up quickly, but it seems you'll have lots of competition from the many many auto workers...

[just chessies]

Sorry to hear this. it,s bad enough trying to work on just one wage coming in but both you and your wife being laid off, I hope something good will come out of all this for you very soon.

[Tim]

Damn thats bad news, by only 50 people, hopefully you will be one of the first to be called back when things turn around...

[Huntyeraws]

That sucks! Sorry to hear that! Keep your chin up and take care of yourselves. Something will come along. Don't sell yourself short on your skillset and experience and look outside of the box (not just auto business).

[rocko]

that blows!! sorry to hear that!

[Greg]

Drew that sucks! Man I'm really sorry to hear this.

[ducksoup]

Drew
Feel your pain and hope very much all works out for you. Had sort of the same experience last year about this time myself. Left my job as a social worker in Toronto due to burn-out. And went back to school to get graduate degree, Masters in Education. Now I'm back doing what I love best. Working outside. Teaching Environmental Education. And making better money, although that's not as important as being a lot less stressful. So keep your chin up. Something will turn up. Best of luck.
RE: Becoming a Bird Boy -- I've posted thread here that I had originally posted on RTF -- hope you get a chuckle out of it.

[Huntmaster]

Drew, Sorry about the bad news. Maybe this is meant to be, you are looking for a new home for the family and your dogs. this might be your chance to move away where you can find both, work and the land you want. One nice thing about you and your wife working at the same place, is no one has to quit a job to move, you both will be free to do as you please. There is always a bright side to everything, just some times they are hard to see. Maybe this was meant to be for your family. your still a young man with lots to offer to any job you choice. Good luck buddy! Like Frank said about all the others that are in the same boat as you will be looking for work to. Get the jump on them!!!!! Tom & Cathy

[Drew Good]

Maybe this is meant to be, you are looking for a new home for the family and your dogs. this might be your chance to move away where you can find both, work and the land you want.

I have been thinking the same thing Tom. The writing has been on the wall for a while now but after being there almost 15 years it was difficuilt to leave the "security" that you thought was there.

The way I am looking at it is this is a chance to get a fresh start. After almost 18 years in the automotive field ( apprenticed to be a mechanic out of high school and then moved on to the truck factory) I know I will never go back ( unless recalled by Sterling). For now I am going to start looking for a new career in a different field and try to stay away from anything automotive based.

Maybe I will just buy a poodle and start my own puppy mill selling high powered labradoodles...:cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy: :ban: :ban: :ban:



Drew

[Debbie C]

Hey Drew......I really believe that most things happen for a reason. This could end up bieng the best thing that happens to you and your family, although I will say, its probably the most scariest right now. Fingers are crossed that what you are looking for and where you really want to live,comes up before you know it.

P.S.....if you bring a poodle into your home, your dogs will probably move out on you and you could get yourself banned from this site!!!!

Best of luck Drew.

[Huntmaster]

I AM CANADIAN
I am in the minority in Calgary , Vancouver , Toronto
and every casino in this country.
I was born in the sixties, yet I am somehow responsible for some
First Nations people being screwed out of their land in the 1700's!
I pay import tax on cars made in Ontario.
I am allowed to skydive and smoke, but not allowed to drive without a
seat belt.
A ll the money I make until mid July must go to paying taxes.
I live and work among people who believe Americans are
Ignorant.... These same people cannot name this country's new
territory.
On April 1st, 1999, the map of Canada changed for the first time
in 50 years with the creation of Nunavut Territory .
The Northwest Territories was split and approximately 2 million
square kilometres of the central and eastern arctic became ' Nunavut '.
Although I am sometimes forced to live on hamburgers and don't
have a pot to piss in, I sleep well knowing that my taxes helped
purchase a nice six figure home in Vancouver for some unskilled refugee.
Although they are unpatriotic and constantly try to separate...
Quebec still provides most of my nation's prime ministers.
95% of my nation's international conflicts are over fish.
I'm supposed to call black people African Canadians, although I'm
sure none of them have ever been to Africa for that matter.
I am being told that paying a 200% tax on alcohol is fair.
I am also being told that the same tax on gasoline is also fair.
Even if I have no idea what happened to that old rifle my
Grandfather gave me when I was 14, I will be considered a criminal if
I don't register it.
I am being told that spending $15 billion to promote the French
language in the rest of Canada is fair when the province of Quebec doesn't
support or recognize the English language.
I am being told that paying $1million for 3 Stripes ("The Voice of
Fire painting in Ottawa ) by the National Art Gallery was a good purchase, even though 99% of this country didn't want it or will ever see it.
When I look at my pension and realize that I take home a third of
what I actually make, I say "Oh well, at least we have better health care than the
Americans."
I must bail out farmers when their crops are too wet or too dry
because I control the rain.
I must bail out big corporations who drive their business into the
ground and say yeah that's ok when they move all there manufacturing
plants and jobs to a third world country and say no problem.
My National Anthem has versions in both official languages.
Canada is the highest taxed nation in North America, the biggest
military buffer for the United States , and the number one destination
for fleeing terrorists.
I am not an angry white male. I am an angry taxpayer who is broke.
I am Canadian !!!

[Sharon]

Ontario
Human Rights
Commission

POLICY ON RACIAL SLURS

INTRODUCTION

"The Ontario Human Rights Code (the "Code") states that it is public policy in Ontario to recognize the inherent dignity and
worth of every person and to provide equal rights and opportunities without discrimination. The provisions of the Code are
aimed at creating a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person so that each
person feels a part of the community and feels able to contribute to the community.
Everyone has the right to live and work in an environment that is free of demeaning comments and actions when such
behaviours are based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, or ethnic origin. Racial harassment through slurs, jokes or
behaviour intended to demean a person because of his or her race, is discriminatory. Even when meant as a joke, racial
comments are derogatory and may be humiliating.""

[Eric B]

Sharon , what are trying to say.... Are you offended? If you are why don't you tell Tom rather than quoting the policy on racial slures from the Ontario Rights Commision.

Tom , pretty funny and so true on a lot of points.

Drew, sorry to hear about the lay offs. I totaly know how you feel. My wife was laid off 1.5 yrs ago after 16.5 yrs due to comany mergers and resizing. She eneded up completely changing careers.

[Huntmaster]

Thank you for the lessen on internet manners Sharon, but there was no Racial interest here, other then the fact on how things have changed to make a simple comment seem Racial, leave it to you to take it wrong. I am far from Racial, and the group I hang with would prove that if you care to join us at a club meeting, some wear colors and I'm not talking BLACK!! Why did you have to make a big thing out of me just trying to make Drew feel better! Damn Girl,,, what's UP, last time it was religion! Are you mad at me because I left OOD?

[3 black dogs]

This is what makes Canada such a great country we have what we call the freedom of speach.


That is for every one else but the avaerage non minority anglo. oh wait we are now the minority in this country thanks !!

Keep up the good work pissing away everything our for fathers brought and worked and went to war for to make this country what it is. I saw a bumper sticker today that pretty much sums it up " out of work yet? Keep buying foreign!"


If you think I am racist that is your right to think so see the paragraph above about our for fathers going to war to give you the right to be here and thinking that!


Sorry folks this issue gets under my skin to say the least!

Chris

[3 black dogs]

sharon are you a member of the sporting dog alliance? if so read what is on the last page of the latest news letter. If not I will be glad to place it here for all to read.

Chris

[Sharon]

Oh my.

I did not intend to say anyone was a racist.

My intent was to say that if you say certain things publicly you set yoursef up ( and a forum ) for trouble ( big fine) from the HRC if anyone calls them.

That's all I was saying.
I work at the jail. I see everyone.
What I think I can't print or speak. It's against the law. That's all I was saying.

[Huntmaster]

Oh my.

I did not intend to say anyone was a racist.

My intent was to say that if you say certain things publicly you set yoursef up ( and a forum ) for trouble ( big fine) from the HRC if anyone calls them.

That's all I was saying.
I work at the jail. I see everyone.
What I think I can't print or speak. It's against the law. That's all I was saying.

Sharon here is a touch of the real world, Please be advised veiwer descrision advised, I love this guy!!!

Hey Chris, I love you man, are you black!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7KnEZ7rAyc

[rocko]

I thought that little, "I am Canadian" post, Tom made was quite clever!

[3 black dogs]

Sorry Tom no I am 4th generation Canadian with a family tree with week roots! LOL

Sorry Sharon I know in your line of work you get to see the best of the best. but Canada has got to get away from the Tim Hortons aproach of imigration where eveyone is welcome and every one is a winner! Australia has got thier sh!t straight you don't like the way the country is run Get the F%&! out.:rip:


Chris

[Huntmaster]

Sorry Tom no I am 4th generation Canadian with a family tree with week roots! LOL

Sorry Sharon I know in your line of work you get to see the best of the best. but Canada has got to get away from the Tim Hortons aproach of imigration where eveyone is welcome and every one is a winner! Australia has got thier sh!t straight you don't like the way the country is run Get the F%&! out.:rip:


Chris

:cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy: :worms:

[Jojoe]

CANADA is without reservation the BEST country in our world to live in. Is it any small wonder that immigration is a potential problem??

Having said that...the recent downsizing of the auto industry has little to do with Canada'a immigration policy. Trade policy perhaps, but the jobs are not going to other workers (read immigrants) in Canada, they are either evaporating or going to forgin markets where the standard of living allows for cheaper labour costs for the manufacturers - whole 'nother ball game.

What has happened to Drew and his family is not what we wish to see happen to anyone in our country - it is bad for our country but our country's immigration policy is not to blame.

Drew, talk to you at LOC.

Cheers,

[3 black dogs]

You are right Ron

This thread got side tracked the high dollar has driven many manufacturing jobs out of the country there are a ton of other things that we as a country could do to stop this but with the type of government we have elected this will never happen. I hope Drew and his wife are able to find something that will keep them in the lifestyle they are acustomed to.

I still belive we have an imagration problem not enough skills coming into the country and to much drain on our resources. JMO

[Drew Good]

Thanks Guys,

I am not worried, thankfully I am still fairly young ( 34 ) and I have alot of options open to me. For the past couple of years I have thought about applying to the OPP as that has always been something that interests me. I always thought as a white male I did not stand a chance in hell of getting hired but after talking to some cops I have been told otherwise as they are looking for people with life experience, not 20 year olds fresh out of school.

So I sent my application away yesterday to start the testing.
I may have to spend a few years up north in a duration posting but I am OK with that.

Unfortunately this is just the beggining to the "pain" the Canadian Economy is experiencing. With the current slump in the US due to fuel prices, sub prime mortgage ect.. companies are looking to save money so they are moving everything to Mexico and for a good reason. My counterepart in Mexico makes $4.50/hour. HOW CAN WE COMPETE WITH THAT????

Until they reopen the NAFTA and negotiate a heavy duty to be applied to anything built in Mexico we will continue to lose more and more jobs everyday.

Drew

[rocko]

2 of my friends just got hired by Peel regional police!!

Good Luck....I'd love to be a copper!!

[Eric B]

Thanks Guys,

I am not worried, thankfully I am still fairly young ( 34 ) and I have alot of options open to me. For the past couple of years I have thought about applying to the OPP as that has always been something that interests me. I always thought as a white male I did not stand a chance in hell of getting hired but after talking to some cops I have been told otherwise as they are looking for people with life experience, not 20 year olds fresh out of school.

So I sent my application away yesterday to start the testing.
I may have to spend a few years up north in a duration posting but I am OK with that.

Unfortunately this is just the beggining to the "pain" the Canadian Economy is experiencing. With the current slump in the US due to fuel prices, sub prime mortgage ect.. companies are looking to save money so they are moving everything to Mexico and for a good reason. My counterepart in Mexico makes $4.50/hour. HOW CAN WE COMPETE WITH THAT????

Until they reopen the NAFTA and negotiate a heavy duty to be applied to anything built in Mexico we will continue to lose more and more jobs everyday.

Drew


Take a look a the RCMP. They are in need for recruits. For the first time in their history , starting this fall, they will be paying their recruits while they do ttheir basic training.

[Sharon]

My brother was an RCMP officer, He had no regrets , You do get moved around a lot when you are new - usually out West. Think of the great hunting opportunities. :) Firearm experience is a big plus, not having extra weight ( you got it there ) and being in shape before the training starts really helps.

[rhomerj]

Take a look a the RCMP. They are in need for recruits. For the first time in their history , starting this fall, they will be paying their recruits while they do ttheir basic training.

Too many people are going to other enforcement agencies...
If you think you would like a slightly lower key enforcement...keep an eye on the Ontario government jobs website. MTO just did a hire a few months ago for transportation enforcement officers but I have heard rumours of another next year. I guess it could be somewhat considered in the automotive industry, but it is still in a category of its own.

Richard

[nimkii]

Sorry to hear the news Drew. The future will hold better things for you and your wife...

[TK'S]

If you want to help do as we just did . My wife has a VW and she wants a new car so we looked at VW again and then a Ford . I said to her how many as we work for Gates Rubber Co. pullyes does VW ,Toyota ,Honda buy from Gates and she said none so why are you buying one of their cars. The light came on and she bought a new Ford. All the money goes out of the country and we can only sell 10% in China, Japan so when they are looking for a new ricksaw it wouldn't be from Canada. Buy North America and keep are jobs. Terry

[Greg]

Drew, good luck on the application for OPP.

I have 2 friends that are coppers. 1 is retired and the other is a young gun LOL!

I can tell you it takes a certain kind of person to be able to handle what they have seen/ see everyday of thier life as a cop. I'm sure that I haven't heard the half what they have seen.

Tom, that was a great little blurb :) GOOD ON YOU FOR SAYING WHAT MOST OF US ARE THINKING LOL!

Anyways.. you missed the part about allowing one of our countries icons
to be changed to support a religous believe that would in no way bend for us if the shoe were on the other foot ;)

Incase you haven't figured it out I'm talking about the Mounted Police Uniform.

[Huntmaster]

Thanks Guys,

I am not worried, thankfully I am still fairly young ( 34 ) and I have alot of options open to me. For the past couple of years I have thought about applying to the OPP as that has always been something that interests me. I always thought as a white male I did not stand a chance in hell of getting hired but after talking to some cops I have been told otherwise as they are looking for people with life experience, not 20 year olds fresh out of school.

So I sent my application away yesterday to start the testing.
I may have to spend a few years up north in a duration posting but I am OK with that.

Unfortunately this is just the beggining to the "pain" the Canadian Economy is experiencing. With the current slump in the US due to fuel prices, sub prime mortgage ect.. companies are looking to save money so they are moving everything to Mexico and for a good reason. My counterepart in Mexico makes $4.50/hour. HOW CAN WE COMPETE WITH THAT????

Until they reopen the NAFTA and negotiate a heavy duty to be applied to anything built in Mexico we will continue to lose more and more jobs everyday.

Drew

Drew you said Quote: YOUNG 34, you will be just fine!!!!!