Thursday, February 25, 2010

Goodbye Canada!! Hello Mexico...

Today is a sad day for me and many others in my community!

True to their word as announced on September 2, 2008 John Deere has closed it manufacturing facility in Welland better know as John Deere Welland Works putting 800 employees out of work. Today will be the final day for the plant, sad but true.

John Deere has manufactured products at it's Welland Works site since 1911. They have been the backbone of many small town communities near the facility. I know as my husband has been a proud Deere employee for his entire working years.

I have watched the huge smile on his face while catching a glimpse of a Deere product getting free advertising on the news when the news media cover unrelated stories to the Deere. I have heard the same line over and over again. WOW!!! That was great free advertising for the Deere. Today I watch a man that has always stood proud when asked where he worked and quick to answer "The Deere." I have stood by and watched the same man fight to try and save 800 people from losing their jobs and hit the umemployment lines. Today, I see a man that has lost his huge smile and is not so proud to wear a shirt that says "nothing runs like a deere."

I do not understand how big corporations work? Deere is very profitable, our plant was always receiving awards for production. I know this is not new, it is happening everywhere.

I am saddened to see so many families put in such hardship! Some that will be able to put the pieces together, some that will never be the same again! Here is just a short trailer from Brock University Students that are following the closure.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Dear-John/73805736884
Scroll down a ways to see the video!


Although this is bittersweet for my husband and I we will carry on! Our son worked at the plant for 12 years and was laid off last April. My husband will be done today. He was just a baby when he started there, he is one of the lucky ones as he has enough time in to retire with full pension and benefits. So we are very blessed in that respect.




On that note Happy Retirement Sweetie! I love you and I know you are dreaming BIG. I am looking forward to what the future may hold for you.

25 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Debby....sorry to hear that....I am happy that your husband is ok...and you will have time together to enjoy things....

Anji Gallanos said...

So sorry. What a huge blow to your community. 800 people impacted..that's such an impact. Thoughts are with you.

Anji

Frieda Oxenham said...

Oh Debby, this must indeed be such a sad day for you two as well as al the other employees. The same thing is happening here in the U.K. too and it is just a tragedy to see the effects such a closure has on the entire community of the plants concerned.
We can only hope that the future will hold better things for everyone!
On a positive note, what an very handsome husband!! Hope you two will enjoy each other's company as you will be together more! I love having John at home more!

Tristan Robin said...

argh - this kind of news just plain old pisses me off - there's no other way to say it. It's one thing for a business to go out of business - but to throw people out of work and their livelihoods in the simple name of greed is appalling.

I'm sorry to hear that this has so dramatically impacted your family. I hope your son has found something to replace his previous position - and that your husband finds ways to fill up his retirement hours. Be careful and have a watchful eye - filling retirement hours is how I got addicted to mixed media art! LOL

The Muse said...

This news is disheartening Debby. As farmers we had heard rumors. Sorry that this impacts you directly.
It has become such a trying time.
Please know that you are not alone...for many of us have gone through these days.
I will keep you and yours in thought and prayer.
If you have not been to the banquet yet, I hope you will come share my Feast, for it is through friendship that our hope continues.
http://adivashammer.com/archives/1143

Lynn said...

I remember you telling me this was going to happen, and I am so sorry for the many people who will be without jobs now :( On a good note I would like to say Happy Retirement to your hubby, I would say after all those years of service he deserves a full pension :)

Rhonda said...

That is so unbelievable, after all those years. I agree, I have no idea what big corporations have in mind. I'm sending my best to you and your husband.

Terri Kahrs said...

Ohhh, Debby, my heart goes out to the community and your family. Many blessings on your Husband's retirement. Look forward with joy - when God closes a door, He DOES open a window. My husband was "laid off" a few years ago after almost 20 years with General Foods. He watched his people go, then closed the door behind him. I feel your pain and sadness, but I can also say that there are many joyful days ahead. HUGE, heartfelt hugs, Terri xoxo

Anonymous said...

I knew is was coming but still is a terrible shock to know that it actually happened. Tom is a special man and I wish him all the best in the future...whatever he plans on. Golfing and travel and being with the woman he loves! Sending a big hug to you both from Colorado and hope it helps a bit!
Hugs,
Jan

NicNacManiac said...

This is such a sad day for your community!! When a large corp decides to leave...there is so much sadness left behind and your post really hit the nail on the head!!
I am happy for your husband, all of your life you say "I can't wait until I retire" well...that day is finally here and he should enjoy the ride....after a bit of adjustment....he will be the happiest guy around!!
Bless you, Hugs and Kisses xOxO
ps. Go Canada Go !!

Liz Revit said...

It's sad to say that this is a sign of the times. The company may be getting a cheaper workforce, but I'm sure it won't pass the savings on to the consumers.

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Oh Debby!!! This is such a sad affair and I'm seeing more of this everyday. So many are loosing jobs, good jobs, life long jobs. I am glad to hear that your husband will be receiving retirement benefits...he is VERY fortunate as he has put a great deal of his life in John Deere. (btw, we love their products but I wonder if they will still be as dependable built in Mexico???) hmmm....

I want to thank you soooo much for the comment you left me yesterday. It was the MOST sincerest comment I think I've ever received. You and I have been following each other for a LONG time and even though we don't "know' each other, it IS amazing how I can love you so much!!!! :) Thank you Debby...you have no idea what your words mean to me...always!
Back to your husband, know that when one door closes, another opens so this "retirement" may be the best thing that has happened to you both. Enjoy each other with the added hours of the day that you two have been blessed with.

Geez...I'm writing a book here...I'll leave room for other people to come visit you ;)

Marlynn said...

I'm sorry, Debby, for all of you. It is tragic how it happens and trying to figure out what is in their minds. Remember, Karma can be a mean witch and what goes around comes around. Deere better be prepared to duck big in Mexico when Madam Karma comes a calling. My best to you, and reading your blog this past year or more, I have no doubt that you will be turning your lemons into lemonade.

Janine said...

It is everywhere the same sad story, all over the world.
I am happy that your husband can enjoy his retirement.

Today is my 1. blogaversary.
I am having a giveaway, and I would like you to join it.
Happy weekend
Janine

Healing Woman said...

I am so sad to hear about your community but glad your family will be ok. I am from the Warren, Youngstown, Niles area of Ohio, originally, and when the steel mills started closing, the area was devastated. I hope your community will fare better than they did in that area.
hugs,
Cheryl of healingwoman

Terri said...

Wow Debby, what a turn in your life path! I wish you and your husband the very best on your new expanded journey.
Your husband has a wonderful smile.
What a blessing he must be!

Thornton Berry Shire Press said...

oh Debby...so sorry to read this today...I was just getting ready to write about the sad event of the skater who lost her mother and how heart wrenching to watch her pain..and now this...well everything happens for a reason...maybe something very unexpected will make his smile even more beautiful and endeering..(pun intended)..to you all over again...luv to you both...and the families who have a new path ahead of them...juner

Lola said...

So sorry, Debby, to read about this - John Deere is famously well known around the world! - but glad yr husband's OK & that you'll have good times together in the future.

Hope you have a restful weekend,

XOXO LOLA:)

PS Always love *seeing* you - always cheers me up!

Rustique Gal said...

Debby, I really hate when these things happen! Big industry-it's all about money to them, not people. All the best for you and Hubby in his retirement! Sherry

Unknown said...

what a hard thing to happen......I can never understand things like this.....

Paris Rags Romance said...

oh so sad, times they are a changin, Bob said it right back then......Thank you for your sweet comment,blessings to you and your family, more time to spend together right:) hugs, Kim xoxo

We Blog Artists said...

Oh Debby, So sorry to hear that Deere has left Canada...My family is in Farming and the Deere machinary is very close to their hearts too...so sad, but hey, new beginings for your family.
Thanks for passing by our Blog today...lovely to connect with another blogger living in Ontario!
HUGS
Char

Lynn Stevens said...

Debby, So sorry to hear that the plant is closing! It seems nothing is safe these days. Many of the farmer in our community have Deere's. A great probuct and great reputation as well. They say things are getting better but I sure don't see it where we live. No work anywhere.Thank goodness your DH can retire but so sad for those who can't ,Bless you!!

Julia Phillips Smith said...

Corporations have no soul - they're like psychopaths. I'm so glad to hear your husband was able to retire with full pension and benefits. That is remarkable, given the circumstances. Happy Retirement to him!

catworx said...

I am so sad to read this news, Debby, and sad too, for the impact that it will have on so many lives!

I hope the community will pull together to help those that will be in need of assistance. I've found that adversity often brings out the best in people.

I am glad that you & your husband will be able to enjoy so much more time together, he is a VERY handsome man & looks very content, I'm sure that is due in a large part to you!

Hoping for a better tomorrow!
xoxox,
Cat