A long time Mitsubishi employee in Normal says he isn’t seeing enough communication to workers about employment services, re-education opportunities and transitional help. That’s as the plant prepares to end production.
Jerry Harcharik says some information is coming about career-link and other assistance, but many workers remain in the dark.
“Well, we get this and that, and it’s a little vague here and there. Obviously, people have to take it upon themselves – you know, pick themselves up by their own bootstraps, so to speak,” Harcharik said. “But a little bit more information can never hurt.”
Harcharik says he knows the company is trying to address everyone affected by the closure, but he urges community leaders and educational institutions to over-communicate and to flood workers with information.
“Let me decide what is worthy,” Harcharik said.
Twelve-hundred workers will lose their jobs by next summer. The first separations will happen right after Thanksgiving.