hours cut

[irmanator]

the company I work for has had to cut hours. They cut us to 32 hrs. wk. They did a program with NY state unemployment called work share to prevent actual layoffs. I have ever heard of this program before, but it is better than layoffs. Not sure what to think of it yet. I keep telling myself to enjoy having 3 day wkends all this summer but then I wonder about what happens in September ......

Glad I got my ef started. I also have been applying for some part time jobs to get it going faster.

[Tree0164]

Sorry to hear-will you be able to collect partial unemployment for that one day.

Have you looked at your budget to see what you can do to cut down?

Cable, cell phone, eating out, transportation costs

[cschin4]

Try to take it in stride. If you had been working FT and had the opportunity to cut back and enjoy life a bit more, would you have taken it? If so, try to enjoy your time but of course, you want to look out for yourself and consider your future.

[irmanator]

well the way it was explained at the meeting is that we will get a certain amt from reg.unemployment and 25 for economic stimulus for unemployed ppl. So will equal with in a couple dollar what we were getting before. So after the meeting it doesn't seem so bad. But what if things don't pick up in Sept. when they think it will or in Oct. when time runs out for this program and they may have to really lay ppl off? I have put in for some parttime jobs...... I will see....

as for now since pay will be approx the same shouldn't need to cut down right away.... but I am increasing contribution to ef just in case

[disneysteve]

as for now since pay will be approx the same shouldn't need to cut down right away.... but I am increasing contribution to ef just in case

I think now is exactly when you need to cut down on spending. Many people make the mistake of waiting until income drops before cutting back. You will do yourself a huge favor if you tighten your belt now, before you are forced to. Beef up that ef, as you said, and do what you can to trim your monthly expenses. That way, if the job situation worsens and your pay gets cut, you'll be in good shape. If things turn around and are fine, you'll be even better because you will have reduced your spending and increased your savings, never a bad thing.

[irmanator]

ok tell me if my logic is off....

I got 6 years seniority there.
they have gone thru so many people since i started that i think that they would have to go to skeleton or shut down completly before i get laid off -if they go strictly by seniority.
they have about 600 workers there now so I guess i would see people leaving before my turn comes

So I guess I am not sure if i really should worry yet.

[disneysteve]

ok tell me if my logic is off....

The problem is that these things often aren't done logically. They often don't go strictly by seniority. Other factors enter into layoff decisions, like how much you earn, for example. They may let go a senior employee in favor of a rookie who earns a lot less.

[irmanator]

ok I see your point and i realize that. I only make 10.85/hr so doubt that but hey crazier things have happened.

[cschin4]

Some things are just out of your control. All you can do is do the best job you can and whatever happens is going to happen. Sadly, there are going to be layoffs and job losses coming down the pike. So, of course, you need to do what you can to keep afloat including job hunting now or taking on a part time job to buffer yourself.

[am_vanquish]

The problem is that these things often aren't done logically. They often don't go strictly by seniority. Other factors enter into layoff decisions, like how much you earn, for example. They may let go a senior employee in favor of a rookie who earns a lot less.

Senior employees are also more expensive to the company in terms of extra benefits - paid vacation time, health benefits, retirement plans, etc. From what I've heard, these factors combined with the higher level of direct compansation have made senior employees a target for layoffs in some companies. Just another reason that you should trim things down now. I'd say this is a situation where it's better to be safe than sorry. Trim your lifestyle back now on your own terms so that you're not forced to eliminate your lifestyle altogether on someone else's terms in the near future.

[wincrasher]

Wow. What kind of POS company only pays $10 an hour and then has to tap a government program to pay a portion of wages?

Steve is right - logic has nothing to do with layoffs. Sometimes its percieved performance, sometimes experience, sometime just if your well liked or not.

Start saving now and keep your ear to the ground for a new job.

[irmanator]

I tell ya they start people at 7.75 hr. I got a business degree and 6 yr to get to 10.85. BUT there isn't much else around.

[tzsgti]

I tell ya they start people at 7.75 hr. I got a business degree and 6 yr to get to 10.85. BUT there isn't much else around.

Do you mind saying what type of work you do?

[irmanator]

I was a shipping clerk with haz-mat and forklift training but they re-organized me out to the assembly line making the batteries. I got moved from 7.75 to 9.00 when I went from the line to the shipping then but didn't lose any raises when i got put back to the floor.

[tzsgti]

I was a shipping clerk with haz-mat and forklift training but they re-organized me out to the assembly line making the batteries. I got moved from 7.75 to 9.00 when I went from the line to the shipping then but didn't lose any raises when i got put back to the floor.

And you can't do anything with your degree? What type of degree is it? Associate, BA,MA?