Hoekstra Opposes Right-to-Work

US Rep. Peter Hoekstra, a candidate for Governor, has made it clear that he does not support the conservative ideals of Free-Trade and Capitalism by declaring that he would not support a ballot issue to make Michigan a "right-to-work" state. That's not very Republican.

It's also another way of saying, "too bad about your jobs, I don't give a damn." Is he getting kickbacks from his Republican Teamster buddies? We shouldn't be surprised, there is a long history between the Republicans and the Teamsters, none of it good.

Hoekstra said he has had good relations with organized labor, particularly the Teamsters union.

"There's a lot of Republican Teamsters out there," he said.

-FREEP

Why else would he oppose a measure that could attract business to Michigan, create jobs and reduce unemployment?

Ohio, Indiana and Michigan are losing auto jobs, but many of these "runaway plants" are not fleeing to China, Mexico or India. They've moved to more business-friendly U.S. states, including Texas.

-WSJ

And this man wants to be Governor.

Ohio's most crippling handicap may be that its politicians -- and thus its employers -- are still in the grip of such industrial unions as the United Auto Workers. Ohio is a "closed shop" state, which means workers can be forced to join a union whether they wish to or not. Many companies -- especially foreign-owned -- say they will not even consider such locations for new sites. States with "right to work" laws that make union organizing more difficult had twice the job growth of Ohio and other forced union states from 1995-2005, according to the National Institute for Labor Relations.

...

The challenge for our national economy in a world of competition is to become more like Texas and less like Ohio.

-WSJ

We should think hard before we elect someone that doesn't want to make positive change for the working people of Michigan. Of course, after everyone leaves the state to pursue employment elsewhere, Rep. Hoekstra can enjoy himself while governing a population of none.

State of the State

Good news for Michigan?

Last night the Governor gave the 2009 State of the State Address. One of the most exciting facets was the creation of the Michigan Energy Corps which will employ thousands of people to weatherize homes, schools and other public buildings; install renewable energy technology; and turn our natural resources into renewable fuels. Totally cool! Hopefully the Michigan Energy Corps starts swinging real soon, apparently there is some dependency on the federal stimulus package. Many wishes that the Michigan Energy Corps gets to work in Missaukee County and other rural counties like ours before focusing on Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids just this once. Please.

Southeastern Michigan is apparently the beneficiary of A123 Systems, a Massachusetts-based battery designer, plans to build some lithium ion plants. Detroit area: Wayne; Oakland; Macomb; Lapeer; Livingston; St. Clair counties: 10.6% unemployment.

More good news, Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. is planning an investment that will create about 190 jobs. Hemlock is located near Saginaw, so I’m guessing those jobs will be there too. Saginaw county: 10.4% unemployment.

And, even more good news! Yay! The film industry is buzzing in Michigan. They’ve created 3,000 jobs, but not here.

Now, I don’t wish anyone in the state ill. All I’m saying is it would be nice if government thought a little bit about us up here in northern Michigan. Missaukee county: 14.8% unemployment.

Tough Times

With our ever rising unemployment rates and our ever dwindling resources it is a good time to get ourselves into the right mindset for the difficult task of job seeking.


1. Things are never as bad as they seem. Remember, they are never as good either.

2. Accept uncertainty; perhaps even try to embrace it.

3. Focus on the things that you can change and do; forget about those you cannot.

4. This is the best time to try new things, make new goals and accept new challenges.

5. Get back to the basics (review your resume, cover letter, interview skills).

6. Set goals and keep track of your achievements. Use a job search log.

7. Relax. This is no time for panic and desperation. Employers are looking for confidence.

8. Tough times offer different opportunities. Think outside the box and prepare yourself to accept any opportunity that finds you.

9. This won’t last forever. Build a positive base now to provide a jumping point when things get better.

10. Spend more time with your support network in addition to beginning or expanding your professional networking contacts.

14.8%

As of December 2008, Missaukee County's unemployment rate is 14.8%, our neighbor Wexford is a bit worse at 15.1% but, hey, they always try to have more of anything, don't they? Well, at least they have a larger percentage of people in the labor market, how many Missaukee County residents have given up on employment a long time ago. No jobs, no public transportation, no hope...most of our "community resources" are located in Wexford County, so I wonder how are people getting over there to access those resources.

I know most people think of Detroit when they think of Michigan and now Detroit has sort of become a bit of a symbol of our unemployment problems. John Rich even penned a new song for us:



Take care of yourself, and if you have some extra, take care of someone else today also.

Novel Concept

I have the wonderful opportunity to listen people say things like, "I won't take a job that pays minimum wage" or even, "I won't do that kind of work" quite frequently and it just baffles me. Guess what, unemployment is high, HIGH, HIGH! Too high for pride to prevent you from accepting a job, or trying to find a job. Just take a cue from Rob LeBlanc, a former restaurant manager who delivered pizzas to support his family.

After several weeks of searching, he took the only job he could get -- a Domino's pizza delivery man, a job that would cover the family's expenses.

"I had to swallow my pride and take whatever I could get," Rob LeBlanc says. "I kept telling myself one of these days something better will come along."

-CNN

OASIS/FRC Seeks Volunteers

The Cadillac Area OASIS/Family Resource Center and Second Chance Retail Store are conducting volunteer training tomorrow, Thursday, January 22nd, from 1-5 p.m. at their offices, 118 S Mitchell Street in Cadillac.

Volunteers are needed for many areas within the agency including, crisis line workers, childcare, clerical, store workers and maintenance workers.

OASIS/FRC serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and homelessness and volunteers are always needed.

If you are interested in attending please call Valerie Shultz at 231-775-7299 today to reserve a spot for training.

Why should you volunteer?

We all know that the labor market is extremely tight right now and we also know that large gaps between employment are not idea on your resume. Sure, you can skip the dates but then an employer may wonder what you’re hiding. Volunteering is a great way to fill in a gap, learn new skills, gain useful experience and meet other people (you know, NETWORK). Volunteering can help you find your next job and launch a new career.

Through volunteer work, you can develop many of the “soft” skills that employers are looking for including communication and teamwork. How many times have you read a job posting for a position that you were interested in and felt that you could do only to be discouraged by the words, prior experience required? Volunteering is a great way to gain the required experience for many jobs. Don’t forget to include your volunteer experience on your resume.

Additional benefits include: meeting new people; trying new things; and having fun!

Please consider volunteering in your community.