good luck to all those gm workers facing the big move it's hard pulling up your roots.no i've never worked for gm and i'd just like to say good luck

TheDiplomat: "Purrmaid, Kansas City isn't that hot in the summer. It isn't the deep south."

Since I lived in the Kansas City area 24 years, I can most certainly assure you, it DOES get that hot. Not as bad as San Antonio in August (been there too) but very wicked humidity. It was my rear-view mirror that dropped into the front seat of my car when the adhesive melted. A couple years ago I took a pic of the time and temp sign at the bank...108 degrees. Needless to say, I am over the moon about being back in my home state now. Woo hoo! :)

Wow, when we transferred to Fort Wayne we got $1300.00 to move the family on. No sign on bonus. I know people who went to Bowling Green that got 10,000 just to use for moving expense not to mention the sign on bonus. In todays economic crunch, I dont think a sign on bonus should be paid. The bonus is having a job!

blood>>you're complaining about people complaining. If you want to see change, then don't just talk about it--DO IT!!! Give us some of your ideas, solutions and get the ball started!!

blood--GREAT POINT!

My ex is saying that he is going to Fort Wayne within a month....I dont know if he is making that up or not because he never tells me anything I need to know...He is telling the kids that. just wondering if anyone had heard about transfers to Fort Wayne....

I rest my case, no one wants to talk about ideas/solutions, just problems and complaints. If Janesville is ever going to right itself we must start the discussion on solutions! Anyone have any???
The Gazette will only discuss the status quo because no matter how much it hurts, it sells; even if they just dumped several employees themselves that had decades invested in their profession.
If you're not willing to change the conversation you won't find a pathway out of your status quo!

Well, no one wants to be out of work. And GM'ers should take whatever opportunity they can to have a job. But, GM'ers have to also understand that there are A LOT of people out there who have lost their jobs and will be losing their jobs. Compared to a lot of others, GM'ers do have it 'better' (if better is a term you can use when one is losing their job) than most and it has created animosity. I'm not one of those people. We are very fortunate that at this time, my hubby's job is secure and doing well. But, that could all change tomorrow. As we've all see happen. It's sad to say that no one is safe these days.

miltongirl: as of what i know right now, no. Fort Wayne is recieving the medium duty trucks and the dually's in addition to the what they presently have, the full size pick up. its not clear yet if they will need anyone or not, its still in the planning stages.

Wow! After reading your post, I do now have proof some People R Stupid! Who aspires to be poorer and overworked anyway???? Duh!

my apologies, beenthere! A long day at work made for weary eyes. No insult intended.

Purrmaid,

Kansas City isn't that hot in the summer. It isn't the deep south.

ihavealife: Excuse me, I was responding to Jenna's posting about house prices being "awesome" in the KC area ... of course, I know houses are sitting vacant and owners cannot sell them ... anybody who drives down any street in Rock County, Wisconsin, or any other state can see that ... give me a break ... like I am going to benefit from anyone's loss ... until I signed onto a new job recently, I was out of work since last December ... am I complaining? Heck, no ... I am grateful. Go jump on somebody else; you've got the wrong person.

chad -- I'm not a he. If you had read my posts clearly, you'd notice that I referenced "my husband" in one of them.

You GMer's will never appreciate what you have!! You still do not live like the rest of the world.
Wake up & smell the coffee !!!

ihavealife...you are mistaken. There is not a lifetime per person cap on GM MercyCare insurance. Other Mercycare plans yes, GM's Mercycare plan, no. We inquired about that several times throughout the course of our child's treatment.

But lucky stars, my rear-end. There's no counting any lucky stars when a 9-year-old dies of a devastating illness. When all of the medical bills had cleared, we were curious as to the cost of his healthcare, and inquired with MercyCare as to what they had paid out. They had paid out in excess of $2 million...we saw it on paper.

momof5, not as much anger as it is sadness for the people put in this position. I was there once myself. I have worked places you were a number, and places they considered you a valuable asset. I know GM is not alone in this regard. But with people who have over 20 years in, and a family already started, it is not really a choice to move but a given if you want the full pension. They may choose where to go, but reality says you have to go with the job unless you have a valid alternative. If beenthereanddonethat has actually been there and done it, then he would understand some others views better.

I mean Fort Wayne

But does anyone know if there are people transferring to Frot Wayne at all???

The Janesville Project
Making Alternative Energy Research And Production A National Priority

The Janesville Project
Investment- $10 Billion Over 5 Years
Investment Source- Federal, State, County & Private Industry Funds

Purpose- To bring new alternative energy sources into production, including vehicle propulsion, household wind & solar applications, high capacity storage devices, etc. A cooperative effort between industry, government and educational/research institutions to construct a clearinghouse for alternative energy research, development and production.

First Project- Create a non-fossil fuel propulsion engine to replace mid-size to large diesel engines within 3 years and for autos in 5 years, including retrofit engines for current vehicles. In 4 years Janesville would be producing the first GM AE mid-duty truck on the current truck line.

Research & Development- The brightest scientists, engineers, & support staff from around the world would relocate to the Janesville area and it would become the international center for alternative energy development.

Manufacturing- Just as UW Research Park in Madison was built around the visionary ingenuity of UW researchers, the Janesville area would become an incubator for manufacturing production facilities throughout the Stateline area and beyond.

Oh....and N O B O D Y there knows how to drive in snow. You're safer to stay home the first day it snows...honest.

Good luck to those taking the transfer. Kansas City will be a BIG change for you, but at least you'll be employed when many are not. Lenexa, Gardner and Overland Park are nice 'burbs to buy a home in, stay away from Olathe, Kansas City and anything in Missouri. There's a stigma against anyone living in Missouri, but the taxes are much lower. Johnson County, KS is the second highest taxed county in the nation after Marin County, CA. Streets are on a definite north south, east west grid...no lakes to mess that up so you can find your way around immediately. You know the really nice weather we get in spring, fall and most of the summer? You'll get about four days of that in spring and fall, the rest is either winter (lots of ice storms) or the most godawful heat and humidity. Hot enough to crack windshields if you don't roll your windows down a wee bit. Once had the adhesive melt on my rear view mirror causing it to drop into the front seat. Also, the wind never seems to stop blowing. No wonder those pioneer women went crackers out on the prairie. :-o

blood--you just wrote my comment for me!! Thanks!

Good Luck to all the GM employees who received their transfers. You have to do what it takes to take care of your families. You are willing to give 110% to do just that. May your transition go smoothly and God Bless.

Has anyone heard if some are getting transferred to Fort Wayne?

Does anyone know what they are gettin paid to transfer??

Janesville lived for decades in a protective bubble, just like many other communities with a major employer. Well, the bubble has burst, who would have ever dreamed the GM plant would be sitting idle today?
People cling to the status quo hoping for something to come out of nothing and it isn't going to happen. It's time for the leadership in Janesville to reinvent Janesville and chasing after GM isn't going to bring positive results. There are other ideas out there and the people/money to make it happen, but if you don't have vision you won't see the possibilities. Ken Hendricks wouldn't have accepted the status quo and neither should the people of Janesville! It's time to move on and look for new, innovative ideas.

Sometimes it's a matter of chasing the benefits, not the pay. I couldn't have cared less about the pay my husband made -- I have a good job, too, but when my stepson was diagnosed with a terminal illness and racked up nearly 2 million dollars in medical expenses, the GM insurance was priceless to us. If these GM issues had happened 3 years ago, instead of now, we'd have transferred to for no other reason than because we needed the insurance that the GM job provided. We're in a different position now, and the insurance isn't as much of a factor. You do what you have to do at any given time.

beentheredonethat-- You just made my case for me! Leave the place you love behind chasing the almighty dollar and GM will give you a list of places you can go. I'm not knocking anyone at all, I just don't understand why our society has conformed to trading our most precious asset, TIME for $30/hr.!! We only live once, why is it acceptable to trade half our lives away making GM more profits?? You can hold off on the "unless you've been at GM, you don't understand thing" too! I did put my time in there which give me much better insight than alot of people. Not saying I'm right, just a strong opinion. I wish these transfers the best, without question. Remember this, on your death bed (if your family members are in their right minds) what's going to be more important at that moment? How much money and toys you earned, or how much time and love you gave to your family!

ctr1-so the gazette should stop printing anything that has to do with GM? This story will effect every corner of our community, but YOU don't want to have to read about it? Idiot. Go read the Onion.

Jenna-
It pains my heart to agree, but Janesville is a lost community with little vision and little hope. A miracle is their ONLY hope! Right now ex-GM workers are still getting paid, can you imagine what it will be like when that runs out?

-good luck and best wishes to all who take the transfer. I know it is hard to leave home and family, but we do what we must to earn a living. Jenna, Happiness comes from within, not from where you live. I never find myself bored or lacking something to do. This is a wonderful community with a lot to offer. If you are unhappy, maybe you should do some soul searching to figure out why. The people of Janesville are just like people everywhere. If you make the effort to be kind, polite, and considerate, we respond in kind, If you come on like gangbusters, rude, arrogant and mean spirited, then I guess you get what you give.

The Gazette needs to move on. I mean really, how long will G.M. news sell papers? The local economy will have to adjust, as will the Gazette to survive. Morning delivery, .75 news stand price tag, and not enough quality content to justify the price? It spells trouble to Me. Now would be the time for an investor to start up an alternative news source for the Janesville area, one with less obvious leanings. The business could be started at a level concurrent with the current market levels. I'm sure many southern Wisconsin People will welcome another option. As far as Chads comment...I here ya bro, G.M. has never been, and never will be a employee friendly corporation. Employees are numbers, nothing else, no room for that emotional crap! LOL. The fact is all former and current employees, union or management, know that the corporation would do anything to make a dime. The only People that prosper in this corporation are ceo's and other high positions. btw, lets all pray for Rick Wagoner, how will the poor man EVER live on His paltry $8.6 million retirement deal!

I just bought a new KIA. GM gives up on Janesville, I give up on GM.

5 days to move 509 miles! Wow.. Good Luck to all the laid off employees doing that.

Good Luck to all that take the transfer, we took the transfer in 86 and never looked back.

Hey at least it's a job. You're not going to get as good a one in Janesville, we're washed up unless a miracle happens!!

Couldn't agree more Jenna: "Get out of this town. This town is the problem! If you ever get out, you'll see..."

House prices are awesome everywhere right now.

I agree with Jenna...TAKE THE TRANSFER!! My husband was transferred to Arlington, Tx back in April and we didnt think twice about it. Yeah its a life changing decision, but we needed to do what was best for our family. And the way I see it, at least he still has a job and Texas is nice. The people have been very friendly here. Good luck to all who take the transfer!

TAKE THE TRANSFER!!!
Even if you lose your job down there after a while, there is opportunity down there and house prices are awesome. If only I could unload this dump of a home I bought here 2 yrs ago and we could get a transfer...KC IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY AND FIND A NEW JOB IF GM DOESN'T WORK OUT. GO GO GO!!!!

Unidentified, transplants don't get treated well in JANESVILLE.
We were a transplant to KC and people were the friendliest of any place we've been. Get out of this town. This town is the problem! If you ever get out, you'll see...

Best wishes to those that took the transfer. A look on the bright side is that you will be in a city with a lot more to do now.

Those of you going to KC are the luckiest people in JVL! I would move there in a minute, kids and all. It is a thriving area with great schools and great amenities.....You have no idea how fortunate you are to get out of this awful weather and awful community. I pray every day for my husband to get a transfer out of here!!!! GO! GET OUT OF HERE AS FAST AS YOU CAN!! Your kids will be happier there!!!!!

ihavealife: whoa, back up the train. I'm not complaining about anybody doing the right thing. What I said was...no one was forcing anyone to take a transfer, yes. That's true...no one is forcing anyone. If your situation dictates that a transfer is necessary, and that it's the right thing for your family, then kudos to you for making the right decision. But still, no one is forcing you to do that. My husband had an opportunity to transfer, but he's taking the buyout instead. Why? Because that's what right for our family at this time. Everyone's situation is different. No one forced you to take a transfer; no one forced us to take the buyout, and no one forced our friend to do nothing and ride out the unemployment insurance and benefits until they expire. Everyone chooses what's right for themselves. If you feel like you're being "forced" into something, that's for you to deal with.

Being the son of someone who has had to transfer, it's definitely life changing. Transplants generally don't get treated well by locals, at least not initially. Although they don't have to do anything, the alternative is a 8-10 dollar an hour job with lousy benefits. Good luck to all that transfer!

Chad: I usually agree with everything you say. However, I sense a lot of anger in your last post. I was as disappointed as the rest of the GM family when Janesville wasn't picked 2-3 weeks ago, but it is business and not personal. If the 170 don't want the transfer, there's 1000s more who would take it and report by Monday. I consider myself a pretty flexible and family friendly employer. But, business is business. If I need someone in a position NOW, I cannot wait 2-3-4 weeks until they get their life in order. Sadly, chad_vader, at the end of the day we are ALL just numbers to the powers that be....that's just the way it is in business.

Best of luck to all GM families and friends, whether you are transferred or not. I think everybody should keep them in their thoughts and prayers.

Many are going without family for a while. I know for a fact that will be the hardest thing for my hubby.

How could anybody turn down a chance to stay and play Tax hockey, for a silly job?
Seriously...Good luck and Best Wishes for the folks who get the call.

This is great news.
Best of luck to those that move.

Well, ljs64, four of five isn't bad. Your last correction is, indeed, incorrect. It should be "they're" and not "their" as you suggest.

My sympathies to all who are uprooted. But~haven't they been hoping to get the transfer call to insure they have a job?

But a life change that you agree to accept. No one is forcing anyone. You can turn down the transfer if you choose to.

chad, matthew, et al - when the GM employees sign up for these transfers, they are well aware that when they get the call that their transfer has been accepted that they might have one week or less to get there and report to work. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who signed up for it.

> Knowing you have to do it and actually having to do it are 2 very different things. Ask anyone who went to Arlington TX.
It is life changing.

Remember
Having
their
that's
their

You have to remember that a lot of union workers also came to Janesville for the last 50 years. I guess it's just a way to even things out again. Since the schools won't be getting as much money from GM anymore when are they going to start laying off teachers or cutting back on other expenses? Or will our taxes go up about 30% to make up the difference?

Chad- "I love employee friendly companies. We were all just a number and a body to them."-.. It just not the auto industry.. it just about any large company.. at least they have that option to go if they want to.. most large companies don't have that luxury.. we will miss our friends that go and give our friends (that didn't) a hug and pat on the back for not leaving.. this is just as hard for us and our children that have friends whos' parents decided to leave as much as it is for them... Good luck to all

chad, matthew, et al - when the GM employees sign up for these transfers, they are well aware that when they get the call that their transfer has been accepted that they might have one week or less to get there and report to work. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who signed up for it. As thnkfrst said...they're not at the mercy of anyone but themselves. They choose to sign up for the transfer. No one is forcing them to go.

Yep, show up on Monday. Like you don't have a life to rearrange or anything. I love employee friendly companies. We were all just a number and a body to them.

Best wishes to all who accept the transfers.

How are they "at the mercy of s U.S. automaker" when they signed up for a voluntary transfer? This is their choice.

It's sad how people's lives are minimized to being at the mercy of a U.S. automaker. Sacrifice happiness and home pending on where "they" tell people they can go. Notice I didn't say they "had" to go!

And again the value of the local hosing market drops.The only winners are first time buyers.