LAKE CITY, Minn. (KTTC) -- Over the next year, the Federal-Mogul plant in Lake City will be implementing changes that could affect a large number of employees. While job statuses still remain uncertain, the news may not be all bad for those at the plant.
It is a situation that has developed over the past week. Federal-Mogul is shipping a part of their business to Argentina and Mexico, leaving 100 people in Lake City uncertain about their job future. While all this is going on, there may be a bright light coming for those affected by the change.
It is understandably a rough moment in time for employees at Federal-Mogul.
"Yeah, you've got a lot of emotions, especially with those individuals low on the seniority roster," explained Fran Richardson, the president of the Local Lodge 650 with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. "Not knowing what's coming up and when things are going to take place and when people are actually going to be moved out of the building."
With the jobs moving out of the country, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and their Trade Adjustment Assistance program may be able to help the displaced employees find a job if they are the ones without work.
"Knowing that there's other options out there hopefully will put some of the minds at ease a little bit, but still I'm sure it's the same with everyone else finding out that they're going to lose their job," Richardson said. "It puts quite a bit of stress on them and their family."
Union leaders are meeting with Federal-Mogul executives Thursday to hammer out issues with the collective bargaining agreement. It is the start of a very long process for both sides.
While all this is going on, there may be government assistance to help those affected in the end.
