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The Macomb Daily
July 2, 2008 |
Gordon Wilczynski
Staff Writer |
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Job hunters tell of struggles |
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U.S. Rep. Sander Levin told a handful of gathered people Tuesday that their unemployment benefits had been extended for 13 weeks after President Bush signed a supplemental appropriations bill.
The unemployed workers from Macomb and Oakland counties attended a roundtable discussion at the Roseville Recreation Center. They all were obviously happy to hear about the extension of benefits, but most wondered what they are going to do when the money runs out.
Many attending the discussion told Levin they have applied for hundreds of jobs with little or no success. Most said they haven't even been called for an interview.
They said their life savings are running out and others said their 401(k) plans are bone dry.
"The people here are not working and it's no fault of their own," Levin said after listening to his constituents. "Many of these people are unemployed for the first time in their lives."
Russ Holzen of Eastpointe said he has been unemployed from the auto industry since January 2000 and had not received any responses to his employment applications. He said he takes medication that costs him $2,600 a month.
Ray Holland, a master electrician from Southfield, hasn't worked since October 2007 when one-half of his company moved to Canada and the other half to North Carolina. In the past, he said, he never had a problem finding a job. He said he isn't going to give up.
"It's a different story now," Holland said. "I've learned how to survive.
Levin told his constituents that the challenges for the unemployed are greater than ever. He said people, many with 4-year college degrees, are finding it tougher to get a job.
He said the assumption has always been that after a downturn in the economy, there is an uptick. He said in Michigan there is no automatic rebound.
Levin said his brother, Sen. Carl Levin and Sen. Debbie Stabenow have worked hard to get the unemployment extension passed. He said the Democratic majority in the Senate had trouble getting the necessary 60 votes to get the measure approved.
He said some politicians in Washington don't understand how tough it is in Michigan to make ends meet.
"We need to build a broadened economy in Michigan," Levin said. "We talked about the need to broaden it 30 years ago when I ran for governor and we're still talking about it."
Jim Stoner, a toolmaker who now lives in Mount Clemens, has been out of work since Thanksgiving Day. In years past if he lost his job he could go down the street to another tool and die shop and get employment.
"Those jobs have long gone to China," Stoner said. "Unemployment benefits ($360 a month) are great but what will we do in 13 weeks?"
Stoner said he doesn't mind looking for a job, but it gets disheartening when doors are slammed in his face. He said companies are looking for younger employees.
Roseville Mayor Harold Haugh, who has been employed with General Motors for the past 40 years, said he wonders why Washington all of a sudden realized there is a problem in southeast Michigan with people out of work. He said people are taking low paying jobs just to work.
He said that in Roseville alone nine major manufacturing businesses have packed up and left.
"Why did it take (Washington) so long to realize we're in a recession?" Haugh asked. "Residents in the 40 to 50 age category are moving out of the state."
Faheem Berry of Southfield, 46, said he is looking for a job after being asked to move for his All State Insurance job. The one-time claims adjuster said he couldn't pack up and leave because his wife has a good paying job.
He said so far, his 4-year degree in business administration hasn't paid dividends.
Other people said they were let go and never given a reason. One man, a tool and die maker, said he is a diabetic and takes insulin daily. He believes that's why no one has hired him.
"I guess I'm too high of a risk," he said.
Levin said the unemployment benefit extension will help people cope with the rising food, gasoline and healthcare costs. He said many can't make mortgage payments while they search for employment.
"We will be ready to fight to sustain the program for people who continue to be unemployed in a difficult job market," Levin said.
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To Contact Congressman Levin: -
Email Congressman Levin In Michigan: 27085 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066 | (586) 498-7122 | (248) 968-2025
In Washington: 1236 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 | (202) 225-4961
