Some Workers Consider 2nd Jobs
Some Workers Consider 2nd Jobs Save Email Print
Posted: 6:00 PM Apr 23, 2008
Last Updated: 6:00 PM Apr 23, 2008
Reporter: John Tramontana
Email Address: john.tramontana@wilx.com

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With a strike paycheck of just $200 striking UAW employees are already feeling the heat. That's forcing some to look for side jobs in order to make ends meet for the duration of the strike.

"I actually called my life insurance agent and found out i have cash values on that so I'm going to borrow some money on that so I can pay some of my credit card debt," said employee Brian Welsh.

A 27-year employee of General Motors, Brian Welsh also had to tell his two kids in college he can't afford to send them any money.

Despite the low strike pay, many workers won't back down. Some will take just about any side job necessary to pay the bills.

"I'm willing to get myself a McDonald's job," said Delta plant worker Sal Reale. "Anything to keep this strike going. That's what I'm willing to do."

The longer the strike lingers the more of an impact it'll have on employees. That means more and more people dipping in their savings or cashing in life insurance policies.

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Posted by: KJ Location: A2 on Apr 24, 2008 at 06:09 PM
This is the most ignorant situation I have heard of. We have a group of people who feel "entitled" to something simply because "they" had it in the past. Working under the walls of GM obviously blinds workers of current events in society. You live in a free enterprise society, and eventually there will be no Unions...anywhere. The UAW is the direct result of the death of manufacturing in the midwest. Laugh, and hold your sticks for now, soon 200/week will be your entire paycheck. So...welcome to reality, I would reccomend obtaining an education, in something else than whining.

Posted by: Cindy Location: Lansing on Apr 24, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Hey Stama You might want to consult a calendar before you post. It has been 7 days. That is a whole week. As for GM workers having toys and great big houses I want to know what area they work in. My husband and I have neither. Those of you that are complaining, you go work in a factory. You would not last one day. I run into people at my work every day that should have money, but sadly don't. Ask anyone how long they could last with $200 a week. I am so glad that my husband and I have savings.

Posted by: Doug Location: Jackson on Apr 24, 2008 at 11:53 AM
UAW workers have it good. what about other people? Our government is taxing the hell out of us and stifling business with bureaucratic laws.

Posted by: Jay Location: Jackson on Apr 24, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Have you ever seen thier home(s) and toys? I wish I were able to have half of what they have.

Posted by: BARTHOLEMEW Location: Lansing on Apr 24, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Why not get your sorry butts back to work. Or better yet, go work for McDonalds and stay there. Let someone who WANTS to work come to GM.

Posted by: Lynn Location: Lansing on Apr 24, 2008 at 08:01 AM
What?? One week on strike and all of a sudden you have to tell your kids that you can no longer afford to send them to college. What a joke.

Posted by: Nyar Location: Jackson on Apr 24, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Ok, lets see there is a party tent and people soaking up the sun while on strike... I seriously think the UAW needs to get to work before they ALL have no jobs!!! That is why China is winning. People there don't complain about money let alone stop working because their breaks may be cut or someone else got treated better than they did. Grow up! I hear that Rite Aid has passifiers on sale if you need one.

Posted by: stama Location: Lansing on Apr 23, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Give me a break. Poor UAW workers. If they are living paycheck to paycheck, then they deserve to go broke. They must be living beyound their means. They should be seeking budgeting/lifestyle changes. They have only been out for 4 working days and they are already having money problems? Sounds like they were already over budgeted. $30 an hour and going broke....hahahaha give me a break!!

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