RV workers facing extended seasonal shutdown

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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The typical two-week seasonal shutdown could be extended to nearly two months for some RV workers. (WSBT photo)

Story Created: Dec 11, 2008 at 3:48 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 15, 2008 at 11:05 PM EST

ELKHART — A number of local RV plants have closed their doors, putting thousands out of work. For many of those still working, this Christmas just got a lot worse. Their typical two-week seasonal shutdown could be nearly two months long now.

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The extended shutdown is due to the economy. Orders are down and that means those still employed could have it rough for the holidays.

Jim Hill headed to the WorkOne office to see if he qualifies for unemployment benefits. He's usually given a two-week holiday break at the RV company where he works. This time the holiday has been extended to seven weeks.

That means no paycheck until work resumes in January.

“We're jumping through hoops for unemployment — it's kind of a pain,” said Hill. “It obviously puts a pinch on us, as far a Christmas time. It’s gonna be, Christmas is going to be really hard this year. It's just hard to make ends meet."

Chad Lace also works at an RV plant. He's also facing no paycheck for a seasonal holiday shutdown.

“Right now we're all kind of stepping up to the plate and trying to get a little bit of unemployment to kind of help us out so we aren't losing our homes,” stated Lace. “Right now I'm already one payment behind.”

One man, who did not want to be identified, said he actually lost his job as the result of the holiday slowdown in the RV trade.

“There was no work for my company, so they ended up letting me go, laying me off," he said. "So it’s tough all the way around for a lot of people — especially this time of the year.”

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