sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Jan 20, 2011 13:52:08 GMT -5
I manage a road construction company in MN. Every year around Thanksgiving we lay off our entire work force and every year around Easter they come back to work. It's not possible to build roads in MN during the winter months. It's been that way forever. We have a few guys that take winter jobs like snowplowing, driving tow trucks, etc. But for the most part these guys collect UE benefits all winter long. As part of their UE they sign up on the job board at the Union Hall in the event day work comes available. There is very rarely any work for them during the winter. And at their union rates with their benefits I can't afford to keep them on all winter. My weekly payroll costs in the winter go from $35,000 a week in the summer to $3500 a week in the winter. They make decent money during the season- most are around the $40,000 to $45,000 range which I would call good money for 6 to 7 months worth of work.
CA in Canada- what is the alternative? In MN you have to verify your benefits weekly and are supposed to be able to prove you are actively looking for employment. A lot of my guys aren't really qualified to do much other than the work they do. You can't take a guy off of a road crew and have him work in an office. We had a guy on light duty once (Work Comp issue) and it took him 8 hours to do what would have taken me 30 minutes. I had him alphabetize a stack of invoices and mail them out. He absoluately hated it and begged to go back out on the crew.
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doxieluvr
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Post by doxieluvr on Jan 20, 2011 13:52:30 GMT -5
Just- If you don't mind me asking, What is the general area you live in?
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Post by justwhoever on Jan 20, 2011 14:14:16 GMT -5
Southern Indiana
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Deleted
Joined: May 6, 2024 0:19:35 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2011 14:51:32 GMT -5
"Some of these fisherman make very good income, but then don't work in the winter, they collect unemployment "insurance" due to special rules EVERY winter. You can't insure against what is a known event..."
I don't know how it is here, but here construction typically pays a higher percentage to unemployment insurance that other companies. Someone who has never had employees, and starts to have an employee, will pay just over 3 % of the first 8K towards unemployment insurance per employee... but if it is a construction field, they will pay 3X as much, over 10% of the first 8K towards unemployment... now, if you never use it, then after a few years they will calculate you down, but lots of people in construction who lay off employees annually, continue to pay in over 10%... not that this covers it, and i still think there are issues, but it is likely that those employers do pay in a disproportionate amount as well... just something to consider.
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Post by ca on Jan 20, 2011 14:54:45 GMT -5
The alternative is to take them off of Unemployment "Insurance" and put them on welfare for those months they can't work. And if they make too much money the rest of the year then they don't get Welfare. Maybe the STIGMA of taking welfare would also induce them to look for seasonal work in the off season instead of just taking a hand out and sitting on their ASSES the rest of the year.
I work 12 months a year, so should they.
Welfare would be means tested. Not a supplement to a generous annual income paid for by hard working people. As you can see by the chart I posted for Canada, there are lots of unemployed people who CANT get unemployment in other provinces yet the martimes with seasonal workers have near 100% of unemployed getting it. The unemployment system in Canada is broken and hopefully will be fixed.
I can't really comment on the situation in your state, but it stinks up here.
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Post by ca on Jan 20, 2011 14:57:24 GMT -5
Should also add, in Canada, every areas has it's own EI rules, which is what needs to be fixed. Like for how many weeks you can collect is determined by your postal code, even within the same province, despite a Federal nationwide system. Ridiculous. Here's an article from today: www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/jobs/pressure-rises-to-tackle-ei-inequality/article1876434The zone system has long favoured areas with chronic employment and a tradition of seasonal work, such as Atlantic Canada and rural Quebec. In some areas, seasonal workers can work as few as 12 weeks and then collect 45 weeks of benefits. “The system is designed and wholly fashioned for seasonal workers,” complained David Gray, a labour economist and University of Ottawa professor. “That’s the carousel effect. You can get on and off EI in perpetuity.” The result is that the EI regime encourages repeat users, and ultimately dependence, Prof. Gray added.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2011 14:59:24 GMT -5
You make it sound like welfare is easy to get... maybe it is easier in Canada? ... its pretty hard around here, LOTS of paperwork for short term need... I doubt there are actually a lot of jobs that exist only for 3 months in the winter?
Why does the one area get it and the others don't? ... is it funded generally, or is it funded by providence... id. the maritime employers pay more into the system, and thus theirs is funded...
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Post by ca on Jan 20, 2011 15:03:15 GMT -5
12 weeks = 3 months, which is all the need to work to collect their 45 weeks. And yes, snow removal jobs could exist for only 3 months in the winter.
Then they collect for 45 weeks....or...jsut shy of a year. It's sickening. It's federally funded, so money from Ontario goes to pay for New Brunswick; but the rules aren't the same in Ontario as they are in New Brunswick. Just a redistribution system, which is SICKENINGLY unjust.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Jan 20, 2011 15:05:15 GMT -5
Oped is right- my company pays a higher unemployment rate than the average one does. I am unable to employ my guys in the winter. Unless we change the nature of our business there is no work for them to do. The state shuts down road construction usually around the week of Thanksgiving and we can't start up again until after the thaw. They have weight restrictions on roads so we can't haul in any equipment until after then. It's not an ideal situation but I don't think them applying for welfare a few months out of the year is the right answer. The guys usually make over $1,000 a week during the season and on UE they average about $325 a week. Most of them would much rather be working year round then collect unemployment part of the year. These guys all have families, mortgages, bills etc. My husband only works 9 months a year- I would be THRILLED if he was able to work 12 months a year. Him being laid off is not a vacation nor does he treat it like one.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2011 15:07:59 GMT -5
CA, it sounds like there are some issues there... i can see why its getting news. Are you saying MOST only work 3 months and then collect for 45 weeks?... I guess i should move to Canada and fish...
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Jan 20, 2011 15:09:29 GMT -5
In our state a lot of the winter snow removal jobs are state and city jobs. These are the people that do maintenance and road construction for the city or state during the non-snow months. They don't hire outside of their government job pool for those jobs. My guys that do snow removal are lucky to get a couple of contracts plowing the local wal-marts parking lot. But there are dozens of people competing for a handful of snowplowing contracts.
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Post by justwhoever on Jan 20, 2011 15:24:36 GMT -5
I wish there wasn't any road construction going on here during the winter. Next town over has been doing something to the main highway since August. It's a pita to go through. Happy that the guys/gals are getting work but add in snow and all their stuff it's nerve racking to drive through there. I do think they are putting in some kind of drain system, as that town floods very easy.
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april47
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Post by april47 on Jan 20, 2011 16:33:19 GMT -5
My daughter is a schoolteacher and a single mom. She is an older mom with no father involvement. (Don't ask) She has nothing left after rent, student loans, and daycare. I am retired and help some but really can't help much anymore. She doesn't "qualify" for aid so what does she do? She can't get a second job because of the babysitting. She's feeling pretty trapped.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Jan 20, 2011 16:33:30 GMT -5
Really? Nobody?
Fine, I'll be the bad guy.
Why would your husband go to school to get several degrees if your plan is to stay in podunkville forever where there are no jobs? Please tell me there are no student loans involved. Although, I can't say I'm a big fan of him using that much tax money on an education he's going to squander either.
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Plain Old Petunia
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bloom where you are planted
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on Jan 20, 2011 18:05:22 GMT -5
Is it sad that I have been trying to get a job at our Walmart for the past 2 years? I mean they pay min wage but at 40 hours that would be a huge help. LOL I don't think there are too many people who would actually want to work there. But then I guess it would also seem sad that we are hoping he gets a promotion that will pay 30k/yr too. In a different way than you mean, I think it is sad. Your area must have a serious shortage of jobs if Wal-Mart jobs are competitive. You seem to be above average intelligence and your husband is college educated. If I were in your shoes (wanting to live in a small town with very little opportunity), I would be thinking hard about what I could do to earn an adequate income for myself and my family. If there truly are no jobs, then you have to make your own. I have family in Evansville. They have done very well, but they are mostly self-employed.
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Plain Old Petunia
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bloom where you are planted
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on Jan 20, 2011 18:10:56 GMT -5
My daughter is a schoolteacher and a single mom. She is an older mom with no father involvement. (Don't ask) She has nothing left after rent, student loans, and daycare. I am retired and help some but really can't help much anymore. She doesn't "qualify" for aid so what does she do? She can't get a second job because of the babysitting. She's feeling pretty trapped. This is something that most of us single moms grapple with: there are only so many hours in a day and endless demands for your time and energy. This makes such things as continuing your education (for better opportunities) very difficult. What does your daughter want to do? As always, the choices are: 1. Reduce expenses 2. Increase income 3. Both
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Jan 23, 2011 21:15:29 GMT -5
As a fellow resident of southern IN I can sympathize with living in a small town so far from all the good jobs!
FWIW, I drive 70 miles one-way to work (in Indianapolis). It's not my favorite thing in the world, but I've managed it for about a year and a half now. You might figure the calculation of fuel costs, oil changes, depreciation and general maintenance and get a cents-per-mile number... if chances are you can net more than $40-$50 a day working 100 miles away versus working in your town, it might be something worth looking into.
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formerexpat
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Post by formerexpat on Jan 23, 2011 21:58:46 GMT -5
[/size]
With this attitude, you are more likely to be accepted than the people that Been There knows [BTW, Been there, congrats to the Steelers]. The right attitude on these boards is key and there is so much knowledge and experience on these boards to learn from. As others have said, many people here have been poor at least once in their life.
My mother was on welfare as a young, single mother when she divorced my father after he broke her jaw. I'm in favor of some programs over others for those in need when they need help [hand up not hand out crowd].
Use this time and this program to your benefit to get yourself and your family on their feet for a better future. Good luck.
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Peace Of Mind
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[font color="#8f2520"]~ Drinks Well With Others ~[/font]
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Post by Peace Of Mind on Jan 23, 2011 22:46:52 GMT -5
Any kind of welfare? Those that do not work at all? Those who do work and still need help with food? Medical? Anyone who receives EIC? WIC I know is another you all "beat up on" so to speak. Cash? And yes we do receive food stamps, medical on kids. And with our income we will get EIC. Am I happy with all those? No. Can't wait to turn in that we have moved up. Am I thankful for them right now? Yes. I am married. DH lives with us and everyone knows. I work part-time at a high school. He works at fast food place...and is in management! He has been to college and has the degrees. I tried going but then realized that everything here that would require a degree wasn't for me. Didn't see a point in getting more debt. So I just wanna know if I am gonna be beaten with rotten eggs for being here or am I allowed? P.S. I know we made HUGE mistakes. We are trying to fix them. Hi justwhoever. I'll answer. I am not against ANY welfare program as long as it gives the recipient a "hand up" instead of a "hand out". Welfare programs that enable a person to go indefinitely without standing on their own two feet are a disservice to both the recipient and to the taxpayers IMHO. I agree 100% with Dancin. I don't mind the program, just the abuse of it.
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 24, 2011 9:11:33 GMT -5
My daughter is a schoolteacher and a single mom. She is an older mom with no father involvement. (Don't ask) She has nothing left after rent, student loans, and daycare. I am retired and help some but really can't help much anymore. She doesn't "qualify" for aid so what does she do? She can't get a second job because of the babysitting. She's feeling pretty trapped. You might get more responses to this if you start a new thread. This is an important question for you to have answered, because there a ton of things she can do. First, to reduce her groceries, she can sign up for Angel Food Ministries. They have no income guidelines and for $31 you can get enough food for a family of four to feast on for a week. With only 2 of them in the house, that can be stretched to 4 weeks. She could then add in some healthy fresh fruits and veggies that are on sale each week (this week you can get grapes for $.99/lb at meijer and 3 lbs of organic fuji apples for $3.00 at Kroger). That should help a ton. Then, she can start looking into couponing. I am a huge fan of couponing, it can save you hundreds of dollars a month on necessities. This week, Rite Aid has free GE light bulbs. Last week they had free toilet paper and facial tissues. CVS has free Crest mouthwash this week. Those three things alone could save her $20 this month. And there are so many more bargains to be had. This week at CVS I got 64 oz of Welch's Grape Juice, 24 pack of Nestle PureLife Water, Crest ProHealth Mouthwash, and 2 bottles of Xtra laundry soap. After coupons, I paid a whopping $0.71 for everything, and received $3.99 off my next order. She could do this too and see some real wiggle room in her budget. Since she is a school teacher, can she take the increased pay during the school year and then tutor kids during the summer to cover her bills? This is something she could do on the weekend and you could maybe watch her child for her during this time? Or maybe she could work with her school to arrange free care while she teaches summer school? As for student loans, teachers usually qualify for some kind of student loan forgiveness. has she looked into that? I hope that helps a little.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Jan 24, 2011 10:55:40 GMT -5
I don't think anyone cares about a handup, it's the handout that bugs most of us.
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