Workers try to get answers, help
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 09:54 a.m., February 2, 2008
Updated 09:54 a.m., February 2, 2008
It was a grim picture at Emporia Presbyterian Church on Friday morning as more than 200 people — Tyson workers and their families — packed the church for a meeting to address some of their concerns and learn about what help is available for them.
The meeting was held by Friends in Faith and was designed to help families cope with the layoffs announced last week by Tyson Fresh Meats, which will put 1,500 worker in there out of a job.
It was standing room only in the church filled with home owners and families with children — and nearly all of them indicated by a show of hands that their desire is to stay in Emporia. Eswin Rios, director of Friends in Faith, then asked if they had children and if they owned their homes. Silence fell over the room as the air was filled with raised hands.
Rios spoke to the group Friday in Spanish. His words were translated for the English-speaking audience members. Rios said Friends in Faith has been talking to community leaders.
“I just want to let you know that you are not alone,” Rios told the workers and their families. “The only thing we know right now is that we want to help. The storm is coming. We need to be patient. We need to have faith.”
Forms and questionnaires were passed around the church sanctuary for people to fill out. The forms are designed to let people know what help is available and assess further needs in the community.
Rios said Friends in Faith is working to get several things in place for workers. He said the organization is trying to get homeowners a six-month break on their property taxes. He also said the organization is pushing the city to host a job fair as early as Feb. 9.
“We cannot assure you of that time because the city wants to take it slower,” Rios said. “We don’t want to move slow. We want to move quickly.
“This is a crisis.”
People who need their income taxes prepared can do it for no charge Feb. 8. A location has not been set.
“I will promise you if you need your taxes done it will be free of charge,” Rios said.
And from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, there will be people available to answer questions at the church, 802 Commercial St.
“Anybody who has questions about anything can get them answered,” Rios said, adding that bilingual people will be available to answer questions.
Issues of where to get food also were addressed. Rios said anybody who needs food can go to the Salvation Army, where all the churches are sending food donations. Help with utility bills and the like are available through that organization as well, Rios said.
Rios offered a piece of advice to people seeking help.
“There are many people that are going to say ‘we can help you,’” Rios said. “They are just talking through their lips. But the biggest help you can get is from each other.”
The final portion of Friday’s meeting opened the floor to questions.
“This is the time to speak so we know,” Rios said. “Because if we don’t know, how can we meet that need?”
One of the major concerns was unemployment. Some audience members said they needed help from bilingual people with filing unemployment.
“If you are laid off you have the right to unemployment,” Rios said. “We need to make sure people are able to help you with unemployment. Language is a barrier when (filing) unemployment.”
Rios said there needs to be volunteers who are able to translate for people who need that service. Rios asked for a show of hands for people who needed help. Again, much of the audience raised their hands.
“We want to find a place with plenty of computers to help with unemployment,” Rios said.
Another audience member raised the concern of high interest credit card debt. Rios cautioned audience members about stressing about the subject and to seek help with a credit counselor.
Some audience members were concerned about what to do if they don’t have legal documentation. Workers without documentation are not eligible for unemployment.
“You need to ask Tyson to help out,” Rios said.
concernedrelative (anonymous) says...
Hurrah for Friends of Faith for taking a positive step to get some of the questions addressed in a meaningful way. People, whether in English or another language.. gather as much information as you can. Apply for help. Even though you won't need it until the 60 days is over, avail yourselves of as much information and take action. Ask questions. Go to every meeting you can. Talk to everyone you can, and this situation will be a little easier to deal with. Let them help you. They can't wave a magic wand but maybe they can give you a little Chicken Soup (another brand please!) for your future. Emporia, your leaders need to get right in there and help too.
February 2, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Come on, City Commissioners, get the lead out. And while you're at it, I'd like to see you sit and help people through the red tape of unemployment forms. What have I done? I've doubled the check I usually send to the Salvation Army.
I like Rios's answer for the undocumented worker. Ask Tyson for help. After all, Tyson got them here.
February 2, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Emporia_Spartan (anonymous) says...
This does pose an important question-- Tyson has used and exploited undocumented workers (although Tyson always denies such) for years. Now, many will be left without benefits, unemployment compensation, etc. How many are there, and how will Tyson help them? We need some answers about those in need in order to help. Can't Tyson give some idea of who will stay and who will relocate and when? There are such ripple effects throughout the community that we are all affected. The school district, as well as other agencies, needs answers in order to make contingency plans. It seems as though Tyson could do a better job of communicating and planning IF they cared at all about their workers and communities where they are located.
February 2, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
playbook (anonymous) says...
Tyson Please help those who are in need !
Do the right thing !
February 2, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
If Tyson had cared about what truly is going to happen they wouldnt have dropped the announcement like a atom bomb saying they were giving these people 60 days to prepare and then..... "WELL......nah, sorry how about TODAY instead" BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 2, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I know what I am about to say will undoubtedly rile some people and I appologize for doing that and I wish all those who have been put in a terrible situation by the job cuts at Tyson all the luck in the world and my prayers are with each and every one of you, but Tyson's only concern is the corporate bottom line, in other words PROFITABILITY because Tyson has done this very same thing to some 20+ other plants, workers and communities around the U.S..
I sincerely hope that Tyson will help all those who need help and show these workers that Tyson does indeed have some compassion and humanity.
February 2, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ksfarmer (anonymous) says...
Yeah, ,,,,,,,,Come on Tyson. At least provide "Greyhound Therapy" to those who are stranded on this side of the border without a way home.
Do the right thing!
February 3, 2008 at 1:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blulitespecial (anonymous) says...
My cell phone provider-Sprint- just sent me 3 text messages about my bill- IN SPANISH-the numbers they "provided" to pay my bill are not the same as on the bill.I have had text and internet and photo blocked on my phone for over 3 years.They want all "new"info.I have serious problems with needing an "interpretor" for English.I think the group in the article here has has good intentions-but I don't trust them! And this is a horrible,horrible thing to imagine in America-But I do NOT trust "the church"!
February 3, 2008 at 2:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
The people who run Tyson are only concerned about the well being of Tyson. That is what big business is about. Thinking that any big company is going to think much beyond the bottom line is not realistic. Tyson dropped a bomb, they could have handled this differently, but they handled it in the way that suited their needs the best. When Emporia recovers, I hope the leaders of the community remember this experience when recruiting new business and considering tax breaks for them. The area needs business with a vested interest in the community. If it takes 50 years to recover the 1500 jobs here it would be better to go slow, then to bribe a company with 1500 that will operate the way Tyson does to get them here in a year...in a year, most of the 1500 will be gone anyway.
February 3, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Cherry_Bomb (anonymous) says...
************************************************************************************************
Governor Says She Had Wrong Info on Tyson
Posted: 4:11 PM Feb 1, 2008
http://www.wibw.com/13newsat6/headlines/...
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Friday she was given inaccurate information regarding
the massive lay-off at the Emporia Tyson plant. Tyson announced Jan. 25 that it would
end beef slaughter operations at the Emporia facility, cutting 1500 of that plant's 2400 jobs.
**** Sebelius says she was told jobs would be offered within Tyson for all of the employees
who are being laid off. At a Friday news conference, she said she's now learned the offers
will be made to as FEW as 400 workers.
Half of the job offers will be at the Finney County plant.
The rest at Tyson plants in Nebraska and Illinois.
Emporia city leaders, community members and Sen. Sam Brownback were meeting
behind closed doors in Emporia Friday afternoon to talk about the Tyson situation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 3, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dick (anonymous) says...
Come on now. Here in this article they aren't going to get what's coming to them in the way of benefits because they don't speak or understand English or be able to apply for unemployement because the are here illegally. Hasn't this been all we have been asking of the Spanish speaking people, be legal and speak English. Now it's necessary and you think you have help coming. Give Tyson hell if you all want, but those of you raising the most cane probably haven't been in business and unless you have and put up with all that there is in running a business don't have a clue. Get real people. Sure it's terrible that all have lost their jobs, but who looked after you when and if you have been this situation.
February 3, 2008 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
isabella (anonymous) says...
Dick your screen name says it all My father owned his own company for 30 years and yes I know what it takes to run one but never once did he ever let anyone go when times were tough we cut back ourselves so that they never went without a paycheck and food for there kids. Its a little thing called having a heart. Big companies only care about themselves i learned that after he sold to a corporation and 6 mnts later they closed it down for a tax writeoff. Now with the closing of tyson my family is without its only source of income and we have no idea what we are going to do. And i am not asking for anyone to feel sorry for me yes i am mad but what good will it do but only hurt me..No one that worked for tyson woke up friday morning and said i think that i want to unemployed please, were not asking for a free handout or someone to take care of us we just want the same thing that everyone else does Pay our bills keep our homes and raise our kids which we did and will keep doing. This is not going to kill us or break us we will move on but it will take some time. The only people that i feel sorry for are people like you, your backwords thinking is what is killing this country its all about me and what i can get.I have never been on welfair and well never be. I'll find another job and support my own family the way that i was always taught you take care of yourself no one else will. Its obious that most really do not care how this will effect a family or the town at all. If it does not effect you who cares right. Just remember there but for the grace of god go I.
February 3, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Well, now that's interesting. Tyson has about 400 Somalian employees at the plant they say, there will be "as few as 400" jobs transfer offers, and Tyson earlier said that ALL somalian employees will be offered transfer jobs.
Ok, I'm reading between the lines here, but I hope I'm not really reading what I think I'm reading.....
February 3, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
open_eyes- I think your ARE reading what you think you are reading.
February 3, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kansasforlegalimmigration (anonymous) says...
Tyson’s reduction in work force in Emporia is in part the responsibility of those who chose to willingly employ ILLEGAL ALIENS in the past. Those plants in western Kansas were not built because there was a ready work force. They were built because there was going to be a huge ILLEGAL ALIENS work force available at lower wages than were being paid in Emporia, Wichita, Arkansas City just to name a few.
We are asking that you give your full support SB 458, “The Kansas Illegal Immigration Relief Act” during this 2008 session of the Kansas Senate.
This bill has been introduced by Sen. Peggy Palmer and Co-Sponsored by Senators Barnett, Huelskamp, Journey and Ostmeyer.
This bill address five of the most important issues to curb the tide of illegal aliens currently invading Kansas as well as other states.
1.Allow state and local authorities to enforce federal immigration law.
2. Prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving state services such as welfare.
3. Require employers to verify the citizenship of potential hires using the federal Employment Eligibility Verification system, called E-Verify
4.Impose new penalties for businesses that hire illegals.
5. Toughen penalties for using or making false identification for illegal immigrants.
This bill is needed to begin to curb the onslaught of Illegal Aliens we have witnessed in the United States since the “Great Amnesty of 1986”. There have been many attempts this past year to pass feel good “amnesties” in the US congress. Thankfully none of these have been passed.
We have personally seen entire industries taken over by companies who hire illegal labor. These companies hire Illegal Aliens at rates lower than the cost of hiring legal IMMIGRANTS or US Citizens. By allowing this to happen, we have created an underclass of “modern day slave labor” which works for less money, fewer or no benefits and no recourse. Meanwhile due to the unfair competition many American business people have had to close because they could not compete.
We feel that we need to secure our borders and remove the Magnets (jobs, social services etc.) that draw Illegal Aliens before we attempt to assimilate those who are here illegally now. We can’t afford to keep making the same mistakes over and over.
In 1986 we had 2.7 million Illegal Aliens in our country. Because we took no action to prevent a repeat of this flood by securing the borders and removing the MAGNETS, which draw more illegals, we now have 10 times that number to deal with today. For us to add to the seven (7) amnesties passed in the US congress since 1986 without preventing a repeat is unacceptable.
We need for you to call, write, Fax and email your senators to protect Kansas’s workers from the unfair hiring of ILLEGAL ALIENS.
February 4, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kansasforlegalimmigration (anonymous) says...
Kansas Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee
Please contact these Committee members expressing your support for the “Kansas Illegal Alien Act”.
Senator Pete Brumgardt, Committee Chairman
522 Fairdale Road
SALINA, KS. 67401
brungardt@senate.state.ks.us
Fax 785-825-0273
Senate Office phone 785-296-7390
Senator Mark Gilstrap, Ranking Minority Member
4218 N 126 Street
KANSAS CITY, KS. 66109
gilstrap@senate.state.ks.us
Fax 913-573-8169
Senate Office phone 785-296-7357
Senator Julia Lynn
18837 W 115TH TERRACE
OLATHE, KS. 66061
lynn@senate.state.ks.us
Senate Office phone 785-296-7382
Senator Roger Reitz, Committee Vice-Chair
1332 Sharingbrook
MANHATTAN, KS. 66503
reitz@senate.state.ks.us
Senate Office phone 785-296-7360
Senator John Vratil
9534 Lee Boulevard
LEAWOOD, KS. 66206
vratil@senate.state.ks.us
Senate Office phone 913-451-5100
Senator Karin Brownlee
14725 S Chalet Drive
OLATHE, KS. 66062
brownlee@senate.state.ks.us
Fax 913-782-1085
Senate Office phone 785-296-7358
Senator Marci Francisco
1101 Ohio
LAWRENCE, KS. 66044
francisco@senate.state.ks.us
Senate Office phone 785-296-7365
Senator Jim Barnett
1400 Lincoln
EMPORIA, KS. 66801
barnett@senate.state.ks.us
Fax 620-342-6520
Senate Office phone 785-296-7384
Senator Ralph Ostmeyer
Box 97
GRINNELL, KS. 67738
ostmeyer@senate.state.ks.us
Senate Office phone 785-296-7399
February 4, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bjohn (anonymous) says...
Steering the diplaced workers to unemployment and staying in Emporia is the wrong thing to do. There are jobs available now but they have to move to get them. In this economy they would be naive to turn down any kind of job. So what happens if they go on unemployment? They get to live off maybe 40% of what they are used to making for a few months. What happens when that unemployment runs out? There will still be no more jobs in Emporia, perhaps even less. The jobs that are available now will not be there in six months. Anyone who thinks the Tyson cuts are over is only fooling themself. The production will be cut all together in eight months, if it even fully gets off the ground. What if Dolly closes? Then there will be a flood of more displaced workers looking for jobs that do not exsist in Emporia. Trying to keep the displaced workers in Emporia is just plain irresponsible. They could always move back later IF jobs came here. Right now the best thing they can do is take what jobs they can get and start over somewhere else.
February 5, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )