optimism. I saw this on the wisconsingoods site. Check it out. Actually a flag made in Wisconsin. I think everyone on this blog site should buy one for Christmas.
http://www.wisconsingoods.com/Poly-Cotto...

Hey optimism. You have me on board. As a UAW retiree we know well that working together can work for the better. I would start with maybe a seperate group on maybe yahoo groups called "buy it in wisconsin" or something like that. There is a great place to start called
www.wisconsingoods.com. I am going to make up some flyers and put them up in the super markets etc around the area over here (Monroe). If others on here can cover other cities of the state that would be great. If you decide to start a group for buy wisconsin let us all know on here!!

Seriously, let's all make an effort to buy things made within a hundred mile radius of our homes, or even just in Wisconsin if that is too hard for some (with the exception of medication and other necessities). I think if we could unite and really watch where our pennies go, we could have a dramatic impact on the country, but united is the key here. I am willing to start or be part of a support group to help find places to buy within our own state.

gmtirednow,
There are worldclass programs you can utilize to accomplish exactly what you're talking about. I agree with you 100%. We need a lever to stop this erosion! I honestly don't blame companies for outsourcing when they can get the same labor for 20 cents as opposed to $20. The part that gets me is the fact that these companies bring these finished products back into the U.S. and don't pass some of that huge cost savings back to the American people, namely, the people whom lost those jobs who were loyal to them from the get go! It all boils down to the Corporate American mentality and greed! This is why 99% of the people in this country have debt and only 1% of the people in this country earn an income of 100k/yr or more. The deck is stacked against the people. Like I said, trust me, there is a program I know of for sure and I'm sure many more available that can turn the tide around if people are willing to step out and learn. Again, great post, I agree with you.

optimism. I saw that on TV too and we should have more of those truths for people to hear about. If you look on most of the so called US flags at places like the dollar store and Wally World, they are made in China. That is why I am careful as to where I shop. Actually I do most of it on line. You can type in any search engine "made in USA" and find all kinds of things to buy. Also you can do the same for "made in Wisconsin". I say we have to do things on our own to support our country because our current government sure isn't....

optimism. I saw that on TV too and we should have more of those truths for people to hear about. If you look on most of the so called US flags at places like the dollar store and Wally World, they are made in China. That is why I am careful as to where I shop. Actually I do most of it on line. You can type in any search engine "made in USA" and find all kinds of things to buy. Also you can do the same for "made in Wisconsin". I say we have to do things on our own to support our country because our current government sure isn't....

Guess I came to the wrong place, again, to find people that act and speak like adults. I've been wrong before, I realize I'm wrong here and I will be wrong again. Peace.

I was born and raised in Janesville.I have been here for 48 years.This is MY community.My heart bleeds for EVERYONE who looses an income from this closure.Before you gang up on me,i am not a G.M. employee.My wife is an LSI employee.She,along with hundreds of others, are loosing their jobs.They have no displaced worker benefits,pension,extended unemployment benefits,or other special programs.When the doors are locked on Dec. 23RD,these people are on their own except for limited unemployment.We just lost one half of our income.If you have a comfortable lifestyle,cherish your blessings and consider yourself lucky.Many people in this community are not so blessed.

To all the employees at the General Motor's plant here in Janesville, Wisconsin. I wish you well and the best of luck.
The other thing I would like to ask anyone that log's on, why do the people of Janesville not want the plant to be here in Janesville? I know alot of you feel that these people are over paid, and may not feel that they deserve the pay they get or the benefit's they deserve. One thing I do know that there are alot of caring people that work there they have helped this community in alot of different way's. United Way, Toy's for Tot's at Christmas, American Red Cross, they have given to families that are in need of bed's, dresser's, mitten's, the list goes on and on. Before we judge these worker's we should consider how this may affect your job where you work. We all as a community should have been worried that it would close. It will affect us all.

I think people really need to look at who is running this country. We (the little people) don't really have a say and people have sat back and speculated that this plant was going to close for a long time. As you can see even with gas going down people are still not buying these vehicles because they see that since the price for fuel has already went there (we) as americans now know that it can happen again. It is somehow realistic to a lot of people when it finally happens. Its like they have to hear it from the horses mouth instead of listening to the majority of people that know these things like your piers and people that have seen this kind of economic disaster before. No, I don't work there and to all honesty I am glad I don't because when you look at a bunch of unskilled hard working people that have put there whole life into one of the best selling vehicle companies in america look what they got. Lets just say that a company thats losing 1 billion dollars a month can't afford to pay everyone all these wages and benefits until 2011 and thats reality!!!!

I just saw on television that the thread used to make our AMERICAN FLAGS is made in ASIA. HUH? Nice.

I do feel bad for the workers, Christmas will be hard for them....
.
.
I Don't buy GM products anyway, I am a ford girl.

If you all remember American Motors in Kenosha.. They did the same thing to my dad and many others in the 80's.. right before Christmas..

Spark. My parents (most of my friends too) had a big, rusty gas guzzling station wagon and pick-up truck to haul around a family of 6 and pull a work trailer. Today those vehicles would be considered far WORSE gas guzzlers than the improved fuel efficent SUV's and trucks we enjoy today. Just ask your parents how many MPG their 1/2 ton pick-up got in 1970. It would be FAR less than your Tahoe! So how were they able to afford to drive these vehicles to work, school, Mt. Rushmore...but their kids can't? It isn't the vehicle Sparky it's the economy.

If someone has the money to go buy a Corvette, all the more power to them. Trust me, GM is not making thousands of Corvettes. It's a niche vehicle and it has nothing to do with Republican/Democratic views. I will be so happy when the politics can be taken out of this problem. SUV's may be the future for families and yes I drive one, but GM should have been thinking about how to make these vehicles more cost effective with fuel, etc. and not at a $50,000 price tag. With todays technology that is possible and it's also possible to design an SUV that get's decent gas mileage, but until people realize it go's beyond that and the involvement with the oil companies has everything to do with that, than everyone is still going to be in denial of what's going on.

What a sad sign of the times we live in when GM is closing plants that make this generation's station wagon but can still pump out completely useless 2-seaters. SUV's and trucks are the vehicles many American's (and others) use to transport their children to sporting events, school, get groceries, pull their work trailers, haul their snowmobiles up North, etc. Can't do that with a Corvette. Vote for a Republican and give the rich a tax break so we can keep those useful, working-class 2-seaters coming!!!

Here is an idea, let's not spend money on Christmas, let's spend TIME with those we love on Christmas. Our family just got bad news today as well about work. This is something we thought of, and I think all should. We are going to try and only buy things that are made within a hundred mile radius of our home. Yes, it is going to be hard, but it is going to support our own, and prevent us from buying things unnecessary. People, please watch labels, I don't know if that is the answer, but it has got be part of it. For those of you that keep talking smack about GM and how they deserve this etc....your illusion that you are not going to be effected is going to blow up in smoke before you know it. I am seriously sad and scared. And I hate the fact that the corporates of GM as well as our government have known this was going to happen to our economy YEARS ago. There are people that devote their time to economy forecast, so I don't believe that for a minute this all was a suprise.

shorty64~
Great post! I agree 100%. People need to come to the realization that the "me-me" or "I" attitude that's been instilled in our culture is coming back to bite all of US big time! It's been a gradual abyss. What we're finding out here is the fact that so many people who were so wrapped up in themselves and what's in it for them are now in need of help from others. Societies have never prospered under the what's good for the few and not the many philosophy! One of us is never as good as all of us.

For those of you with intelligence and compassion for the people losing their jobs, I commend you. This isn't and shouldn't be about the displeasure you have for a person that works on a line for ten hours a day, and usually by the time they can reitre; they have many medical issues etc. This is a WAKE-UP CALL for what is happening to our economy!!! I wish half of you would look back at what you have written and really see the plain and simple, black and white facts that families are affected here. And eventually this community will be too.

Spikesmom -

I'm sorry to hear that you are losing your promised benefits, but face the fact that most people over 65 survive just fine with Medicare. Having private insurance on the elderly is hugely expensive and unrealistic. Nobody else provides it, either.

woodsman. Your comments keep being erased. And I do know that you know GM and the UAW like the back of your hand. And you do a great job also. Some of the comments are just from people who do not know how committed you are to your job, family and country. To everyone , good luck in your future and please at least try to look at labels this holiday season and look for made in USA.

GOOD BY TO ALL YOU UNION PEOPLE IT IS TIME TO GO FIND ANOTHER JOB,and it will not be 27 plus an hour, O what about Zachow's what will happen to his bar ?????

Well when I worked at a employer that closed the best day was the day after I walked out the door for the last time. I have heard many reflect the same statement, and that it was like a ton of bricks lift off their chests.

I just seen a report of Obama on the campaign trail in Ohio where a owner operator of a plumbing business while in line ask Obama why is it he wanting to raise his taxes. Obama replied to the plumber I want to spread the wealth. So for the people that work hard, and plan well you should suck it up for the party crowd.

My husband worked for GM and Ford in the early-mid 90's as an engineer at several plants. At that time, the unions were getting their health insurance, pay increases and all the rest. You know what he got? Pay freezes, reduced health benefits which resulting in essentially a pay decrease. My husband was caught between the top management and the unions every couple of years as the contract talks came up and the little guys (my husband) between the two got squeezed...so in my mind both the unions and top management are finally getting (job loss/income loss) what the rest of us have had for the last 10-15 years. Oh and by the way the state/federal government never stepped in to "help" in terms of training and extended unemployment benefits for us. Welcome to reality!

I've been out of country for quite some time. I'm pleased to see more good news about the GM plant now that I've stopped back in the area for a few weeks. We need to hurry this process along, not have pity parties for the class of people this plant employeed. Seriously, this town will be better off.

I dont agree with the GM bashing but I DO feel bad for our community and the families that are troubled by this. But come on! If you in the manufacturing business are you going to keep producing a product that people aren't going to buy because of gas/economy troubles? If no one is going to buy an new suv then why would they make them?

summer - your wrong about the tuition benefit, my daughter still gets it.

What are all you people going to complain about when the plant closes and the elections are over!? This is rediculous! Opinions, do you really think if the workers made less the vehicles would cost less? It's coorporate greed, Toyota, Nissan and other manufacturer workers make less, but do their cars and trucks cost less? NO! Apples to apples, a camary costs the same as a malibu but the gross profit is more for Toyota! What do they do with that profit? It doesn't get passed on to the economy, the big boys behind the desks get it. It sure is easy to point the finger of blame. The whole economy is bad and now the local economy will get worse. It's going to be a trickle down effect and if you think you are going to be safe, think again. Lear and LSI are 2 big employers that rely on GM. Their employees will be effected and spending less. Pretty soon it'll affect places from restaurants to shopping and their employees. This is a major happening and everyone should be taking this seriously. More jobs are lost in this area than there is hiring. What's going to happen when unemployment benefits run out for these people? More forclosures making your property values go down even more? possible! Mom and Pop businesses will close? Possible. So rather than complaining about the lazy overpaid autoworker, you people should be supporting these people and everyone affected in these hard times! I also read a good comment about the non-profits, most of those help the already struggling. Without donations they can't operate and with the current situation at hand, the people that made donations to help, can't anymore. No good is coming out of this and to rip on what's going on and to come across that you are glad GM is making this decision is out of line! Please, I ask all of you to support all effected by this rather than complain, whine, and point. Kicking us while we're down isn't helping resolve anything.

Dongo- In the late 90's they estimated between 6-16 billion barrels of oil in ANWR. Drilling was proposed and passed by both house and senate this was vetoed by Clinton. Oil would be flowing freely by now. 5-7 years is not eternity.

Unfortunately, politics is the reason this is happening in the first place. That is my point. What I think is sad, is that more people aren't realizing that....

Dongo,
I realize this takes time. That obvious. Does that mean it shouldn't happen? 5-7 years ago means we could be seeing it now. I commented on your post because you're bringing politics into the issue with GM, gas. etc. and politics is why we're haven't taped into it in the first place.

THINK; ya,with love of my country,and my fellow americans,what are you on????

Woodsman- peoples comments about GM doesn't make them anti-american. What we are saying and what we are pissed about is GM, the union, etc. not taking responsibility for what they did. GM as a whole has no idea how to run a corporation and now they have messed up bad.
Bad choices? GM made one hell of a bad choice.

Obviously many of you have no idea what goes into closing down a company. First, for those of you that say you are never going to buy another GM vehicle, have you done the same for other companies that have shut down...Famous Footwear in Madison -did you stop buying shoes? Land's End in Dodgeville - did you stop buying Land's End clothes? I could go on, but I think you get the point.
Second, for those of you that don't feel bad for the GM workers because they'll be "sitting at home" collecting their unemployment...who can live on unemployment and sufficiently support their family? Don't point the fingers at the workers because it's not their fault. All of the GM workers deserve to collect all of the benefits available to them just as any other displaced worker in the State does.
GM is not paying for their schooling to find a different career - that is funded by the state due to the company shutting down. Shows how educated most of you are!! And, since most of you think you know so much about GM, their tuition reimbursement program was cut a long time ago!
I just wish people would find more productive things to do other then make negative comments on this website. It amazes me at the number of times people put multiple postings arguing back and forth with others. Why don't you go out and volunteer, help a neighbor in need, do something productive instead of filling up this website with your negativity.
Good luck to all the GM employees. Be sure to seek out and accept all the help you can. Check w/the Job Center in Janesville or your local community for assistance.

Spark,
Do you know anything about tapping oil? Do you have any idea how much this country uses in one day let alone a year? Do you realize that it would take 5-7 years before we would even see any of the oil that we tapped from Alaska and off shore? You need to wake up. 8 years ago gas was$1 or less a gallon. Do you like the way our country is going right now? Do you like the way it has been going for the last 8 years?

Do you think we have big huge oil riggers off shore just waiting to start drilling? No, they have to be built. WITH YOUR TAX MONEY......

My husband is a management retiree from Janesville. Right now he is at a meeting to find out what he will be doing for health insurance next year because GM has cut insurance benefits for all of it's non-union management retirees over 65 starting Jan.1. He worked hard at GM and gave them a lot of years and now they do this. No retiree, union line worker or management, should have to go through that. Retirees insurance benefits should NEVER be taken away. Shame on GM for forcing it's elderly retirees to have to go out and find other options on their own. So yes, it is sad that GM is closing but those employees are going to be taken care of. They still have their insurance and they will be making money every week.

You can gripe all you want and swear up and down that you'll never buy GM again, but it isn't going to bring any of those jobs back to Janesville.

----

We need to face the facts. The plant is gone and it isn't coming back. Many cities have gone through this transition and done well - many have done poorly. We need to learn what we should do to do well. We have a huge advantage with our proximity to Madison, Rockford, Milwaukee and Chicago - we need to exploit that.

----

We also need to face the fact that the jobs that do arrive probably won't match the sill set (or the pay scale) of GM. Nobody is offering that any more. The high pay and benefits that made GM a great place to work are also a big part of what drove them out. The UAW is a victim of its own success.

Opinions - well said. If things do change and they bring in something else for GM, that lower wage is probably what you're going to see. Is everyone going to complain then?

Well we knew this was comming.and yes it stinks cause its now going to be that much harder to find any kind of good payng jobs in Janesville.An the people i feel sory for are those that are still at Lear an LSI they get no buy out job retaining or benifits of any kind.An i think that is just not right.My only question now is what will be done about it.Cause I had to take a job in Madison cause I have responsibility to my family an i needed to keep working i couldnt wait around for this to happen. an i have been looking at some houses in Madison as well to.I feel like we got screwed by Gm Management thats who i blame for this.They took this town for a ride an now were paying for it.So will have to figure out now is how to handle this.To those who stay in Janesville I hope there will be jobs for everyone an you can only hope for the best.

Then if you're going to blame it in on gas, remember where it's coming from and why we're not taping into Alaska and our own sources in the U.S. Remember that when you vote. It go's both ways. Wake up people.

Sounds like we have religious freak on our hands. ThinkAboutItOnce thanks for backing me up. My point was that "Janesville" needs to start thinking outside of the box. Also I understand GM workers get paid more than most who have higher education which I feel is wrong. Most of us who went to college have student loans, and most started out at the bottom making low wages, only to work our way up the ladder to EARN a good wage. I honestly feel the people at GM (line workers shouldn't earn more than 12-15 an hr. Maybe they could produce a product that people could then afford to buy. Or better yet if GM would have been a bit more like Toyota and changed their product line before the high fuel prices hit then they would probably be in a better situation. Bottom line is sometimes change hurts, but in Janesville’s situation it’s going to hurt allot of people but if Janesville moves in the right direction it could be a good change that might hurt for a short period of time

I feel really sorry for Janesville and what has happened to our local economy. I don't blame GM as much as I blame the current administration for our economy. With the costs of gas causing people to not buy big SUV's to the cost of health care that GM has had to pay for, etc.etc. 8 years and look at what has happened to Janesville. If gas was $1.24 a gallon, does anyone really think this would be happening? I think not. Remember this when you vote...........

thinkaboutit; You really should,before you speak!! Only GOD will judge,we the no haters can only report to him,just like Santa,he will make the last call. I see we have another one with spelling issues,BIG DEAL!!!

In an AP article on the Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20081013/BU... the janesville plant will be idled and production of the SUV line will end. Until GM says the plant is closed instead of idled, there still is hope.

locaboy-you were insulting the average 3rd grader when you said "Sounds right out of a mouth of a 3rd grader." to "LOVEISGOOD"! Most 3rd graders I know would not gloat at the idea of an adult losing his family supporting job (which, by the way, is not just the problem of the Janesville people nor just our GM people-they've earned good pay for good work for generations-it's happening all over!).
And should anyone really be bothered that they are not going straight from good pay to no pay?! Just because some are not given the same benefits? That others are not given some post-job help is the truly unconscionable part! But some of these characters chose to look at it the other way around. It's just so hard to fathom. Some are treated unfairly so stone the ones who are not!
and loveisgood-why don't you choose a more accurate screen name?

the sad rhing is the domino effect here. All the hater and whiners that did not work at GM need to realize it affects every1 as a whole and with the stock market and everything else in THIS COUNTRY why degrade the people who worked hard for there money and supported this community with their donations and time making sure the less fortunate had something at Christmas, And what Union reps are we talking about they have not been representing this plant from the workers side in a long time. Wake up janesville and give the workers credit for their hard work and so what if the wage was beyond what some of you make they earned it! My heart is with all of the workers that will be without a job in DEC and hope they can get another option for the time the have put in, 20 plus years is a long time for the ones left. and the ones already let go my hearts and prayers are with you also.

They say the average person has 2 career changes in his/her life. I crammed 4 years of college into 3-1/2 and 4 years of apprenticeship into 3 with lots of 6 and 7 day work weeks. I got a better job and I am ready to do it again if the situation arises. Humans adapt. They move on. You have choices. Some of them aren't too pretty, but as a human and a survivor you will get by. Years ago I told myself "The only one holding you back is YOU." Now let's get on with life. You can do it. It is just a question of whether or not you will get on with it or sit around pointing fingers. No pity parties for me!

What was good for General Motors was good for Janesville and scores of other cities. and that was the problem Democrats had wih this. You can thank the modern eco nuts in that party whos save the planet first ideaology is partly responsible for this as "those evil Suburbans are ruining their land." They are not done yet, putting GM out of business, thus dumping the workers and retiress on the government will make lots of new democrats that they can control. Zeig heil! Herr Feingold. You should resign!

gottabe...Be nice or you will get removed again !LMAO

I didn't read that the plant was closing . . . all it said was "Local General Motors’ employees learned officially this morning that production of full-size sport utility vehicles will end in Janesville on Dec. 23" I still have hope for the GM plant and Janesville that there will be another product. If that doesn't happen, then we will just have to travel down a different path. We need more positive energy in this town-and from what I read it is only coming from the GM Workers and those who are supportive of them. I pray all those who see this as the end of the road and are happy about it, will grow up and get on with their own life-you probably have your own struggles to deal with. For everyone else - I pray that you are successful in whatever path you take to provide for yourself and your family-and I pray that GM will be a part of that plan.

Let’s stop pointing fingers and start asking the tough questions. 1) After GM files bankruptcy, which will allow it to get, rid of its pension and retiree health responsibilities who will pay for the bypass surgeries, the knee replacements, and the chemotherapy? Mercy and Dean better wake up. 2) How will retirees be able to survive on social security alone? 3) What will Janesville do with a superabundance of housing on the market, all of it overpriced? 4) Who will pay city salaries when families start defaulting on their property tax bills and city revenues fall far short of those needed to provide basic services? 5) With no middle class left who will be able to afford SUV’s, expensive subdivisions, private school, and college? Maybe those employed by the new super Wall Mart and Sams Club? After asking the above questions I’d think about coming up with answers to those questions. It will take a lot of people thinking “outside the box” to address the hard times ahead. The way the wealth of the US has been siphoned off from the middle class these past 25 years I wouldn't count on ARISSA. Even if pensioners do get fifty cents on the dollar will that begin to offset the terrible inflation we will certainly face as part of the cost of these bailouts of the irresponsible corporate fat cats. Caterpillar gave several lump sum payments to the Union so the Union (not Caterpillar) would be responsible for retiree pensions. That fund was insolvent within seven years. At the current rate of inflation for healthcare, which far exceeds the general rate of inflation, how long do you think a Union run retiree health insurance program will last before becoming insolvent? I personally know of a couple of retirees who each have spent well over a million dollars in GM healthcare benefits since retiring. How long will the Union funded system last with each and every retiree demanding every possible, expensive procedure available? Not to mention hearing aids, walkers, hospital beds, joint replacements and the plethora of stuff the medical system is only too happy to sell at the highest prices they can get away with. Welcome to the Socialists States of Bailouts comrade. Bailouts for the rich while us comrades wallow in abject poverty.

Listen everyone, nobody really wants GM to close. We all live in this community and it will effect everyone. The point is, Janesville relied too long on just GM in this community and now the community is going to see the effects...BIG TIME! That's not bashing GM at all. That's just a fact. There are a lot of other big companies in this town that help support this community. We are going to have to rely on those companies to support this community even more. Janesville has a lot of work to do in order to bring more jobs in during a terrible time in the economy. I'm mad at GM for not seeing this coming, when they should have.

WE R NOT DOOMED YET .

"...nuff said !" Promise LOVEISGOOD?

I am glad GM is closing maybe now we could move in this direction http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/oct/12/... instead of being an auto town. Welcome to the real world now GM or i mean soon to be exGM workers. Your going to learn about being paid for your skills and abilities.

for Spikesmon and others who feel the same- I AM heartbroken for them. Just because your friend will enjoy her time off sitting at home "collecting" doesnt mean there are many, many people out there that will be having a rough time of it. What about the families with children who now have to relocate because of their parents jobs? What about the workers who want to and need to have income after the unemployment ends? What about all jobs in the city of Janesville that depend on those 1300 workers having employment? Like perhaps myself who works with children from all over the area, many of whose parents will not have a job come December. It will affect me too and then I perhaps will be able to have the time off, sitting at home WITHOUT unemployment. Enjoying myself? NOT AT ALL!!! I wish the best to all GM families and hope Janesville gets a happy ending with this.

Spark ... you rock !

nuff said !

There was a report on CNN this morning that "Goodwill Industries" has had their sales up 10 percent. So just a reminder that if you are strapped for cash, you can support a very good cause and get many bargains at a great price for the holidays. The Janesville goodwill is a great place to start!

Sorry localboy, I'll never take responsibility for their problems. I've driven a three GM, gas guzzling trucks for the last 10 years and never thought twice about it. The problem I have go's beyond the fuel crisis and problems that caused. It's the union, the striking and everything else in the past that unfortunately has caught up. And your right, losing your job is not the end of the World and those employees are getting some awful nice help with starting another chapter of their life.

LOVEISGOOD - when you are old enough to get a job, you will probably never look yourself in the mirror and say "I am a overpaid employee producing a overpriced product". You most likely will think the opposite.

Think about what you say about those employees until you have done thier jobs.

What is wrong with some of you people this morning ?? These are times when all should be pulling together ,not bashing and bad mouthing the workers.I'm keeping good thoughts on this for all of Janesville !! It's not over yet !!!! I'll wait for the rabbit to be pulled out of the hat !(as it has before)

spark - The only thing GM did wrong was get caught with to many low fuel milage vehicles. People were buying them up,so they kept building them. They were not prepared for the sudden immediate shift. Maybe you the consumer is who we should blame.

By the way, losing your job, is not the end of the world. It is only the beginning of your next chapter in life.

people are not buying because the product is not worth the price . No one can afford to buy or fuel these over price products . Bottome line is , over priced products and over paid employees . Yes a third grader can figure that one out ! .. I'm sure the employees at GM are working just as hard as they were two years ago . Hmmmm , that pretty much sums it up .

Sounds like "local" and "love" do not see eye to eye and I respect you both for your opinions.
As a retired Gm assembly worker (as of April 08), I do feel real bad for not only the ones losing their jobs but for the Janesville and surrounding community, for the plant and the UAW supported local charities to the max. The local United way, Echo, YMCA, etc. will all feel the pinch. And after working the line for over 20 years, yes the adults who work there will still do the best quality possible. It is not the customers who put GM where it is, it is corporate greed and the slow market for SUV's. I myself thank General Motor's for giving I and my family many years of great benefits and great wages and for sure I will continue to buy only GM products..GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF THE EMPLOYEES!!

Hey, LOVEISGOOD. . . My father works for GM and has worked there for the past 23 years. Not a single day has gone by where he did not make a quality GM product. GM has provided my whole family a great life, from benefits to help paying for my education. I will always buy a GM product, even though my father will be out of a job in a few months, i am still supporting GM because they have provided so much for my family and friends and many other lives out there.

beeferer - well said.

I know if I was an employer, I wouldn't want somebody on my staff who was doing rotten work because they were 'unhappy'. Sounds right out of a mouth of a 3rd grader.

LOVEISGOOD- pull your head out of your... Are your really naive enough to believe for one minute that quality will suffer?!?!?!?!? You are so ignorant to the ways things are done in that plant that you have no right saying quality will suffer. I guess we can all be thankful that YOU don't work there. With your attitude you wouldn't last. Where do you work by the way? We'd love to know so we can steer clear.

Localboy-and why aren't people buying their products which in return is why they're losing their jobs? It's not everyone else's fault. GM DID THIS!!!
If the employees want to be pissed and start blaming, they should look right to the powers above and thank them.

LOVEISGOOD - Is today a school holiday? Or are you playing hookie?

I've always had GM, but I'll have a real hard time with it next time. They are clueless how to run a large corporation effectively and have proven that. The VOLT? Great, let's go buy a $40,000 car to save on gas. No offense, but a car is not practical for everyone. Some need trucks, etc.

local boy .. go argue with your wife . I'm not in the mood .

LOVEISGOOD - you chose to post your comments on this blog, so I am free to comment on your comments.

By the way, explain to me how posting DO NOT BUY GM PRODUCTS is going to help those GM workers? The reason they are losing their jobs is because nobody is buying GM products. And then people like you spew anti-GM comments. And then you have the gall to think that the people will build bad quality because the plant is closing. I think they are more mature than that.

Local boy .. how trusting you are . If only the world worked that way ! Please feel free to argue with someone else . I don't care what you think or don't think . I do feel bad for them . I have to believe there are people there who just want this done and settled , so they can go on with their lives . I don't blame them for that at all . I wish the good people at GM my best . Remember not everyone is good ! You must think I am the only one who would not buy a GM product right now . I sure wish that could be a Gazette survey ... What do you think would be the popular vote ?

OK, the VOLT will be made at the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant in Michigan. Of course this plant used to make Buicks, Oldsmobiles and Cadillac's. Still could have refit the plant here to do the same thing.

Bluebird you would have to retool 95% of the plant plus the building is so old and needs to many repairs to be cost effective.

I know of a few of workers that GM is paying for their schooling to further in a different career. I'm not going to shed too many tears over
them. I think everyone saw this coming and many chose to disbelieve. Of course everyone hoped it wouldn't happen, but GM did this to themselves and their situation go's well beyond just the Janesville plant. Poor management, union and direction buried them.

Where is the VOLT going to be made? Why wasn't Janesville a consideration for it? Everything is in place. I guess politics got in the way of this one. Future thinking by the union would have helped there.

I have a friend that works there. She says that the parts being shipped in have been more sub-standard than usual amd that most of the vehicles need to go to repair before leaving the plant. Also, don't be too heartbroken for them. My friend says she is looking forward to staying home in January while collecting her $700 per week in unemployment and other benefits.

what a shady christmas present GM! :(

The assemblers are still committed to building quality vehicles regardless of the announcement.

What do you think? You seem to liken them to 3rd graders who don't get their own way.

They are adults who are paid to do a job to the very last vehicle coming off. I can assure you the quality will not suffer.

What a great thing to say LOVEISGOOD. Looks like you are showing your love in your post.

The first thing i'm gonna do today is go out and buy a new GM vehicle . I am sure the quality is right up there .. made by an upset GM worker . I don't think so ! ... Who would buy from GM knowing the people who made the vehicle just learned once again the plant is determined to close ! Seems like a no brainer to me .. STAY AWAY FROM GM PRODUCTS .. EMPLOYEES ARE NOT HAPPY THERE !!!! ..

Kilgor720 - that was really intelligent to say. He won't loose most of his pension, and what was GM to do? Most companies don't even give a severance when they close.

By the way, your friend had the option of taking a package where he would have been at home until his retirement date of 30 years was fulfilled, then he would have gone on his pension. He is not hurting either way.

Anyone else know that when they offered the early retirement buyout last year they set a due date? Then the very next week after the buyout expired they announced they would be closing. That is some shady buiness dealings in my opinion. They should have giving them SOME info before the time limit expired. How rotton of them to do that to all those workers!!! My friend has been there like barely 1 year short of FULL retirement, and now will loose most if it due to this early closing. I hope those big wigs enjoy thier 6 digit salaries, and suffer guilty conciences the rest if their lives!!

piznat - you are correct. They for sure are still getting paid, and quite well I might add. They always set up zones and districts so that they are always getting the most pay based on union coverage.

Ernie, what about the big wig union reps...bet they still get paid.

Ernie - you and your brother Bert should rethink your statement. How is not ever buying another GM product going to help the GM workers? If you were really concerned about them, and their feelings, you WOULD go and buy another GM product.

By the way, the announcement does not mention anything about the Isuzu/GM N-Series production line. They are still running until May of 2009. That means the whole plant is not going to be down. Nice factual reporting Jim.

Yeah, it stinks. However, it is better to know now than later (after you've spent way too much money on Christmas). My prayers go out to all those affected by the closing and especially to those at other plants/businesses that receive no benefit packages.

That really stinks for the GM workers. I'll never buy another GM product again! What a slap in the face right around the holidays! I hope the big wig corporate greed someday pay for what they've done to GM and it's employees. "What goes around, Comes around".

Merry Christmas