Who knows what is in store tomorrow, or next month, or next year. We are supposed to be prepared and then remain flexible to accept the changes that loom.
Since my last post, change has definitely become the operable word. The plant decided to start the annual shutdown a week early, because damage of a "suspicious" nature was discovered. Shutdown lasted until the end of June with approximately $8 million spent on new vessels for production. As start up was scheduled, "big brother" (aka NRC) came in and announced "not so fast."
You see, the plant has a license issued by the NRC and apparently we have not lived up to our end of the bargain. Following the disaster last year in Japan, the NRC took a look at all facilities in the United States that they are responsible for and determined that our plant lacked adequate structures to withstand natural disasters, including tornadoes and earthquakes.
Negations began. Secret meetings were held. Employees received a WARN letter in mid-July informing us of pending layoffs. The letter indicated that all would be paid through September 21, and benefits through September 30. The union employees, who had been laid off prior to the shutdown, were continued on layoff status. In mid-August more than 100 salaried employees were escorted out of the plant.
No, I was not among those who left. I was transferred from the plant to the "regional organization" with the thought my job would continue as it had been. The corporation funded $1million toward the design of "upgrades" necessary for the restart.
Then immediately after Labor Day, the engineer we hired in January to work on air issues "disappeared." After a few days, I was told by the HR department to "involuntarily separate" him from the organization. The junior environmental person was transferred to a different regional organization, leaving two contractors - both to be laid off.
I took Friday and today off (after all I have 10 vacation days left for the year - looking at long weekends this fall). Spent this weekend recharging in Sullivan, next will likely travel to South Carolina for a face-to-face at a different plant, then weekend at Purdue, and finally Mom's 90th birthday. Little time at my home; much time at the "rental" where I live for work (see photo).
So "change." An alteration in the way things have been to something different. Change in the nature of my work, change in my co-workers, change in the working environment, and now pending other opportunities. I am taking "Mega-Stress" vitamins to counter the potential impacts.
I saw a story this morning about a woman who has been on the road by horseback since 2007. Just herself, a dog and three horses. No cell phone, no computer, no family. I am going to rethink the retirement commune.
"We spend our time searching for security and hate it when we get it." ~John
Steinbeck, America and Americans
