Since news struck of the possible closure of NUMMI, the plant's workers have been protesting, picketing, and organizing to resist closure. Now that it's become a reality, they are turning their efforts to figuring out what they will do next.
A few days ago, KALW’s Hana Baba dropped by NUMMI’s re-employment center. It’s housed inside the Local United Auto Workers headquarters set up right across the street from the auto factory. More than 1,700 workers have sought help there so far, and the center buzzes with their activity.
Laid-off workers are getting their resumes together and applying for Trade Adjustment Assistance, or TAA, a government program supporting former NUMMI employees. Counselors are guiding people toward job opportunities and advising them on keeping up their healthcare coverage. Everyone was busy at the time, but some had time to talk.
* * *
FRANCISCO CORASCO: My name is Francisco Corasco, been workin at NUMMI for 6 years. Came over here to the TAA program to try to utilize the computers and programs they have to try to go to school, start a new career..Just trying to take advantage of everything they’re trying to offer right now.
HANA BABA: What did you do at NUMMI?
FRANCISCO CORASCO: I worked in the body-welding department, so we built the doors for the Toyota Tacoma. Yeah, been doing that for 6 years! (laughs) So, gotta start all over again.
BABA: What jobs do you want to apply for?
FRANCISCO CORASCO: Right now, it looks like if the economy goes well, it looks like construction might be good.
Corasco’s making use of the half dozen internet-ready computers lined up against the wall. That’s also where another former NUMMI worker’s sitting.
FRANCISCO GOMEZ: My name is Francisco Gomez. I’m here working on my resume, hoping that I’ll land a job here in the area. I really don’t wanna go too far out. Today is my 24 1/2 year anniversary at NUMMI. For myself, I have mixed feelings. I feel disappointment that the plant did shut down. On the other hand, it’s exciting to see what’s out there, fingers crossed, and relying on fate that there’s something better. NUMMI was a very very good company to work for. There were many opportunities, I was able to purchase a home, and was looking forward to putting my kids through college, although they’re not that age yet, but I hope the next job will allow me that.
The NUMMI reemployment center staff hardly has a moment to speak to me during the hour I’m there. They’re too busy serving the dozens of workers dropping in. I manage to sneak some time in with one staff member, Michelle Vorseberger, who’s standing at a long table covered with papers, flyers, and booklets.
MICHELLE VORSEBERGER: It’s packets with all kinds of information, health information, TAA information, job information, stress management, how to apply for unemployment online, retiring health coverage.
BABA: So this isn’t just about jobs, its about restructuring life.
VORSEBERGER: Exactly.
BABA: Even stress workshops?
VORSEBERGER: Yes.
HEIDI SALLE: My name is Heidi Salle. I was a temporary worker, working in the paint department. I applied sealer to the doors and the car to protect it from water use. I don’t have a computer myself, so I plan to come here to do job searches and things like that.
Salle only worked at NUMMI for a year, but like many workers I spoke with, the company is a part of her family. Her brother worked there for ten years, and her father worked there for a quarter century, never taking a day off, until now.
SALLE: Yeah my father retired today from here, so it's not only NUMMI ending for him, but he just decided to retire, he’s 70. He’s sad though, he’s gonna miss a lot of people he was working with. I know he’s not going straight home today, there’s been a lot of goodbye parties and things like that.
The waiting room chairs for workers who’ve shown up are getting filled. One man who’s still wearing his blue work shirt with the NUMMI logo goes by the name of Roland - he doesn’t want to share his last name. He says he’s worked at the plant for 14 1/2 years.
ROLAND: Team leader for passenger body shop. Left side.
BABA: So for someone who isn’t familiar with the automotive industry, what does that mean?
ROLAND: I put the bracket on the gas door, so when the gas door closes you can lock it, I put that bracket on, and I also put the taillight trough on the side-out. Eh, I just look at the positive, God has something better for me to do, God’s gonna provide.
