The Herald Bulletin - 7:10 p.m.: Displaced workers offered help

Sun, Nov 22 2009

Breaking News: Colts go to 10-0 November 22, 2009 04:35 pm

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State Plating employee assistance meeting held at Elwood City Building. During the assistance meeting Donna Lord of Work One, explains about unemployment pay, training, and employment that their agency will assist the displaced workers with as they try to navigate the welfare system for help.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

State Plating employee assistance meeting held at Elwood City Building. Displaced worker Jody Masters listens intently to all the information that was given out during the employee assistance meeting.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

State Rep. Terri Austin explains some of the informational sheets in a handout packet for the 70 State Plating employees in attendance at the employee assistance meeting held Friday afternoon at Elwood City Building.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

7:10 p.m.: Displaced workers offered help

By Barrett Newkirk

According to Mullins, the average worker at State Plating earned $11 to $12 per hour. With such low wages, Mullins said, he did not have a savings to fall back on.

When he stopped receiving his paycheck on April 18, Mullins tried to apply for unemployment but was denied because he was still working more than 24 hours a week. He didn’t consider not showing up for work. “That could get you fired.”

His wife, Debra, said the last four weeks had been hard on the family and her marriage. “I understand why people give up. You can only take so much.”

After sitting through brief speeches about getting back into the work force and working with creditors to avoid disconnection or eviction, those in attendance entered the lobby to begin filing applications for energy assistance, welfare, unemployment and work.

Outside, a truck from the Second Harvest Food Bank waited to fill the tailgates of needy families.

Debra Mullins said Austin and organizers of the event provided something to be happy about in the midst of such dire circumstances. “I’m glad I voted for her like I did. She did great by these people who lost everything.”

“This is my hometown,” Austin said. “I grew up with these people, and I want to make sure they’re taken care of.”

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