overthehill: Well said. One of the things in your post that really struck home was, "you will survive this". Been there, done that and you are correct. It's not easy but if we have the will to survive and re-invent ourselves, we will get through it. In the meantime, May God Bless all.

I am so sorry. We are in the same boat here, my husband was just told his work has been cut too. Merry Christmas to us all! I certainly hope that our NEW president seriously has the ability to change this terrible pattern. I know we have at least another year and a half of this crap, but let's all keep an open mind and heart. Let's remember, we have our families, our health and every fall is chance to take a step up. Please don't turn to temporary band-aids.....stay away from self medicating, and get help immediately if you feel depressed. If you can't afford counceling, your nearest church can help. Our ancestors somehow made it without much, and we can too with will and compassion.

Hannah, you are wrong. Billy D is right. You've got your Lear/Leer mixed up!

It sure was nice, for a change, to see people being sympathetic toward the folks that have lost their jobs instead of making cruel comments. I live far away, but am a Janesville native that reads your paper everyday online, I love your town. It is a wonderful place to live and will remain that way, you will survive this, even though it will be a little different. My sympathys go out to all who have lost their jobs, especially those who will not be backed up by sub pay.

wahoo - w/o the UAW's deal, even greater loss of jobs would have /already/ occurred. The UAW's actions have nothing to do with an economy in recession.

wahoo_35 this isn't only the UAW's doings... The enitre economy is in a world of hurt. It's easy to point fingers and put the blame somewhere. Let's try to remain focused here and think about the jobs lost, families affected. The UAW did what they needed to and continue to with the package that is currently in Detroit.

Here is something to help out Gm,and Lear employee's. It will help all Americans as wehttp://www.acton.org/publications/mandm/mandm_article_56.phpll Spontaneous order.

I worked at Lear for 7 years and left in 2001. There are some great people there, hard workers that went to work everyday hurting, sick, and proud or their product. My thoughts are with them....

About a year ago, the UAW went out on strike. They said they got a Historic deal which GM would keep jobs. Well, that did not work out so well.
Thanks UAW.

Well, after being laid off in July from Lear, I can safely say it sucks. I feel bad for all those involved. Certainly nothing to look forward to. No jobs on the job market and schooling that might get you 11-14 bucks and hour or 30,000 salaried with lousy benifits...if you are lucky. If you decide to do school and swing unemployment, you'll have to afford to live on 355 a week gross(not sure what that is net, probably less than 300) and have a spouse with medical bennifits. If not.... then you'll be competing with thousands of others who are in your shoes looking for work. It wasn't always a good or safe place to work, but it paid the bills with some extra money for fun, friends, and family. In addition, it was good for a few laughs now and then. Good luck everyone.

And the schools keep building on It's doubtful we will need all the extra space after everyone moves away.

Here's a pink slip to go with the christmas ham you won't be getting.....

Domino effects! We knew Lear would close as to GM and LSI is in the same way they know. Janesville dist. center (JDC) laid off their workers are they not important. The loss of these places will affect this city hard, retailers ,restaurants, hair dressers,day cares, small businesses and locally we will see the effect soon some already have. My heart goes out to all of the people especially the ones with no union or government resources.

And the news keeps getting better and better.....

gladiatorfootball12,
LSI is also closing Dec. 23rd.GM is the only contract that they have locally. That will add another 100+ people to the casualty list

'tis but another domino falling in tune to GM closing their doors... still a sad sight... wouldn't wish this on anyone... one can only imagine that LSI is next in line...

Hannah,
Lear Corp and the Leer you are speaking of are two different companies.

Been through the layoff routine myself ... three times in the past 36 months ... don't wish it upon my worst enemy. My prayers go out to all those affected (and their families).

"Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" won't seem right to say.

Sad to hear of this bad time line. But those peoples best days are ahead of them now. They will have that heavy load lift off their chest. I worked at employer once that closed, and the last time out the door was the best day I learned as will these works.

This is going to continue to happen to we as Ross will explain do this as Country take a look http://perotcharts.com/home/ it is true, and independent none political view. He calls it Forrest Gump.

Saw it coming, but it's still sad to hear. So many people are affected by this. Sad for GM workers and all the others who are losing their jobs :(

yes Lear we offer you our condolance this is worse than GM

This time, there is no subpay like the GM workers get. Only unemployment. Godspeed to all Lear employees.

Is LSI next? or do they do more business locally then just GM?

My heart sank when I saw this in the front page... I wish all these employees didn't have to go through this.