USA - Nashville Glass Plant Staggers Layoffs

Workers Will Receive Unemployment Check Before Called Back To Work

Nearly half the work force at what used to be the Ford glass plant in Nashville is facing layoffs that will last for weeks.

Monday, more than half the work force is starting staggered layoffs that will last into mid-January.

The plant employed nearly 2,000 people 12 years ago. That work force has dwindled to a little more than 400 who are barely holding on.

Tim Garrett's dad is union and worked at what is now Zeledyne Glass Company for 44 years before retiring. Garrett is president of UAW Local 737. He said he chose to be part of Monday's temporary layoffs as an act of solidarity with the 175 other hourly and skilled workers at the plant.

"It's going to get worse before it gets better," Garrett said.

Garrett is taking a hit: Unemployment benefits will amount to less than a fourth of what he normally takes home. The father of two said it will be a lean Christmas for his two young daughters.

"The way we think around the Garrett household is it's better to give than to receive," said Garrett.

Workers at the General Motors plant in Spring Hill are facing a similar layoff situation, but they'll receive 80 percent of their pay plus unemployment.

The union president said that's not so for Zeledyne workers, who will only receive an unemployment check until they're called back to work.

Ford Motor Company recently sold three of its glass plants, including the one in Nashville. This year's sale came at a price, as some workers took pay cuts that totaled more than half their salary.

Across Tennessee, 67 more companies have closed this year than all of last year. There are three weeks left in the year.