Posted on 03/30/2009 1:35:09 PM PDT by Dallas59
WAYLAND, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The economy continues taking its toll on people across the country. Locally, the emotion and pain of job loss struck in Wayland Friday as tempers flared and employees fought just hours after they found out they were losing their jobs.
Employee Jason Stanton went after another employee in desperation in the aftermath of a difficult day.
30 employees at Wayland Chevrolet found out their jobs were gone on Friday, and to many in town the move came as a huge surprise. Compassion and sympathy were extended for those dealing with the sudden loss.
"You're talking about a lot of benefits and income," said Mike Shea, owner of the Village Pharmacy, "and so in this economic climate it's just sad, sad."
While Shea expressed sadness, outside Wayland Chevrolet, anger was on display. After the fight, Stanton confronted Newschannel 3's crew.
Wayland police responded to the scene and told us the altercation that Newschannel 3 had caught on camera was the second fight of the day at the car dealership.
When he'd cooled down, Stanton told us why he was so angry.
"Does it matter how hard you work, because there is somebody a little bit above you that has the right to control every decision and every effort you put forward, don't you have a right to be a little bit mad when somebody says hey we're all done," said Stanton. "It's terrible, horrible."
The owners of the dealership blamed the failing auto industry and the closing of the General Motors stamping plant as reasons for the closure.
The closure in Wayland is the third dealership to close recently. The first came in December when Classic Chevrolet in Wyoming closed its doors, putting 60 employees out of work, then Bill Seif in Hastings closed in January, where 18 workers lost their jobs.
Coming soon to a business near you ....
Looked like union thuggery but it was hard to tell for sure.
You get what you vote for....
Welcome to the democrat economy.
Pink hat boy knocked down the old guy. I bet that won’t play well at home.
The gravy train ends here.
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm is in charge of Obama’s “Economic Recovery Task Force.”
Have a nice day. :)
/sarcasm
Well Zero said he was going to bring people together!
Obama's Fault.
So, Stanton pummels a fellow employee because the owner of the dealership is closing his doors? Well, that makes sense/sarc
“Looked like union thuggery but it was hard to tell for sure.”
Well, it appears you’re going to find that bogeyman wherever you wish to find him.
That was about the most awkward union bash I’ve ever read.
How do ya' like that 'change?'
The brawlers’ anger is misplaced. They should be brawling with the union bosses.
Pink hat boy knew he was being filmed. That’s why he held back on the kick while the old man was down.
Welcome to O's world pal...
Leave your fellow employees alone, march on Washington D.C.
There has to be hundreds of auto dealerships that will go out of business in the next few years. - Tom
Unemployment in Michigan is now officially 12%...unofficially probably between 15% and 20%.
It ain’t good.
Large GM trim factory will close in Grand Rapids next year...about 1,500 jobs gone. The residential neighborhood surrounding the plant will be devastated.
Drive down main commercial streets...every fifth business has gone under...and this is just starting.
Lots of people around here voted for Obama...(not I), many felt they had no choice. Hope they like what they got.
and 20%
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