Links of Interest for GE Workers

On January 17, 2008, it was announced that GE intends to close the Bloomington plant no later than the 4th quarter of 2009. United Way will provide links of interest to GE workers that might help during any transition. We do this as a service to the employees -- hourly and salaried -- at GE with whom we have a strong relationship.

We are proud to be working with partners from government, WorkOne, business, education, and social services as well as GE management and leaders of IBEW 2249, to assist these neighbors during this transition. For more information about these services, please contact Liz Feitl at 334-8370 or liz@monroeunitedway.org. As the process continues, this site will be updated, and workers are encouraged to pay close attention to the opportunities offered by GE management and through discussions with IBEW officials. 

Social Service Information and Referral     for free telephone service, staffed 24/7, dial 2-1-1     free online database, available 24/7, visit 211infolink For Individual and Family Counseling    Family Service Association (812-339-1551)    Catholic Charities (812-332-1262) For Legal Concerns    Indiana Legal Services (812-339-7668) Because of demand, agencies may have eligibility guidelines. Depending on the agency's policy, most services are provided on a sliding-fee scale or at no cost. For More Information (or to discuss other needed services for you or your family):    United Way of Monroe County
Workforce Development    Indiana Department of Workforce Development	Now that a final decision has been made to close the plant, DWD will provide a variety of important services through its Rapid Response Program.  General DWD information is available on its web site.
Education and Training   Indiana University, Bloomington Programs of particular interest Letter from Vice President Stephan Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington   Lincoln Tech	These educational organizations offer a variety of classes, in degree and non-degree programs, year-round that can be useful in your next career. Check with your public school system if you don't have a diploma and decide to pursue a GED.
Local Government Offices   City of Bloomington   - Office of the Mayor   - Economic Development Monroe County Town of Ellettsville Announcement of Response Team Simpson, Pierce Join Response Team	Mayor Kruzan, and County Commissioners Stoffers, Kiesling and Poling join the other elected officials serving our area in providing leadership during situations involving their citizens. Local government will be working to minimize the impact of the closing.

Comments from United Way about the GE announcement:

On January 18, Mayor Kruzan and County Commissioner Patrick Stoffers convened a group of people to plan ways to provide important services to all workers impacted by this closing -- hourly and salaried, including local management.  The Department of Workforce Development has a well-defined "Rapid Response" plan for assisting workers to determine their next career steps, and Ivy Tech and IU are both tremendous local resources for retraining. 

At United Way, our concern is assuring that GE employees can easily access any services they might need throughout the transition. Certainly, as workers think about any changes in their financial situation, they may want financial counseling, legal assistance, and counseling to help them through the stresses that come with a work transition.  Other families might have other needs, and all United Way member agencies are already planning how they can best offer their services. 

The community's hotline, 2-1-1 -- a partnership among Area 10 Agency on Aging, United Way, and Monroe County Government -- is ready to help provide information and referrals to agencies in Monroe and Owen Counties and through their statewide connections, to resources in other areas.  2-1-1 is a free call, is confidential, and is staffed 24/7.  The agency database is online at www.211infolink.org and is accessible via the United Way website www.monroeunitedway.org

GE has been a strong partner with United Way for 40 years.  This year, employees pledged over $54,000 to the local campaign.  The GE Fund added another $21,500.  GE is the second-largest workplace campaign in Monroe County.  We were gratified to learn that the GE Fund will continue to provide $21,500 annually through 2009.  The people who work at GE are good neighbors.  They have been generous in their support of the community, and we feel strongly they will continue to provide whatever support they can to their colleagues and to people who are in need. 

We encourage any community member to learn how they can help, or learn how they can get help, at www.monroeunitedway.org or by calling 812-334-8370.