Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.
Several failed states across the United States are conducting ‘experiments’ taxing drivers by the mile, known as VMT (vehicle miles traveled); California, Illinois and Oregon. Another 16 states have been considering such new taxes. The concept has been pushed since at least 2014 by the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. At the state level the excuse is being used that taxes collected from fuel purchases are decreasing (due to people being more conservative with fuel usage), but the true reason could be preparation of forcing people to switch to remotely controllable vehicles that do not use petroleum based fuels (which renders the fuel tax useless).
California: In Los Angeles, union reps are reporting that bankrupt American Apparel has laid off more than 5-hundred people in the past week! All former employees are getting severance, which means they will not be included in official unemployment numbers. University California Berkeley announced it will eliminate 5-hundred jobs (not counting the 60 people being laid off now) over the next two years, due to lack of taxpayer funding! More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; New York based IBM laying off 109 people at its San Jose ops, by the end of May!
Florida: In Fort Myers, after 15 years 3 Fisherman Seafood Restaurant shutting down on Saturday. The owner actually blames it on the success of his second 3 Fisherman location: “For five years now I’ve been saying I would close that location, but it’s easier said than done.”-John Browning, who says he’s thinking about consolidating his other restaurants as well
Illinois: The Chicago Tribune revealed how bad it is in Obama’s homie town: “About 3,000 individuals with net assets of $1 million or more, not including their primary residence, moved from the city last year, with many citing rising racial tensions and worries about crime as factors in the decision, according to research firm New World Wealth.”
Maine: In Brunswick, after seven years Summer Island Studio and Gallery of Fine Artisans shutting down. The owner can’t afford to rent a storefront anymore so she’s continuing jewelry making in her house.
Michigan: In Shields, restaurant Bob Evans (on Gratiot) suddenly announced today that they’re shutting down next week, blaming lack of sales. 44 jobs lost. What automotive industry recovery? Another perfect example of what I call Ripple Effect Layoffs (REL) Cedar Rapids Plastics shutting down on Friday due to Fiat Chrysler’s decision to end production of the Chrysler 200. It was revealed that 85 employees were laid off back at the end of February, a second round of layoffs will take place by May.
Missouri: As predicted, Saint Louis based coal company Peabody Energy chapter 11 bankrupt busted. Missouri University eliminating 54 jobs due to $5.4-million USD in taxpayer funding cuts, caused by what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome.
Nebraska: Natural gas supplier Black Hills Energy shutting down their Lincoln call center, at least 50 jobs lost. Administrators of the utility claim it’s the only way to prevent rate increases!
South Dakota: In Sioux Falls, after six years furniture store Zing shutting down next month, no explanation, can’t blame the internet because they sell online as well (and will continue after the brick-n-mortar shop shuts down).
Texas: More oil industry BS; Houston based natural gas storage company Peregrine Midstream Partners chapter 11 bankrupt busted. This comes after a 2013 Oil & Gas Financial Journal interview revealed the company was created, and operated, with debt financing for the sole purpose of “…the market will decide when it’s time to sell or maybe create an MLP or implement whatever exit strategy makes the most sense.” Automotive oil and fuel additive maker Lubizol shutting down their Latexo factory by 2017, 40 jobs lost. The company is joining the rest of unAmerican corporate America in consolidating operations to “improve profitability”.
Virginia: Augusta Health shutting down two Convenient Care clinics located inside Walmarts, by May. Administrators say ObamaCare is pushing people to go to Urgent Care clinics instead.
WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification
Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!
Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”
The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”