The doors lock, the plant closes, and the jobs move out of state, overseas, or disappear altogether. After decades of steady employment, workers are thrust into uncertainty. This has become the reality for thousands of Central New Yorkers as outsourcing continues to erode the strong manufacturing base that once supported our region.

Unemployment places complex stresses on workers and their families. They face financial pressures and uncertainty about healthcare, childcare, and meeting day-to-day needs. In addition, there are unique psychological and emotional stresses that come with job loss.

Displaced workers lose more than a paycheck; they also lose the social network, daily routine, and professional respect that came with the job.

Nationally renowned Syracuse China is just one of the manufacturers to close local operations and move jobs overseas.

“It’s extremely stressful,” says Rafael Tirado, an International Union of Operating Engineers Local 545 union member who has dealt with unemployment. “Here you are looking for a job with no success, and you’re constantly thinking about the gas you’re wasting driving around and how your unemployment check isn’t going to pay the bills. It can really devastate a household financially. It becomes the only thing you can think about.”

“Losing your job is frightening and overwhelming,” said Helen Hudson, United Way/AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison.  “I think it helps to let people know that there are places to turn to. Just having someone who cares and can answer the questions you might have can reduce the anxiety level."

United Way actively reaches out to employees at workplaces that will soon be closing. In early March, United Way held a Community Services Fair at Syracuse China where 275 jobs will be sent overseas. Working closely with CNY Works and the Onondaga County Department of Labor, United Way helped connect workers to services at a variety of community agencies. United Way has organized similar fairs for other companies, including Carrier Corporation and Honeywell.

Central New York is rich in programs that offer a wide variety of services, but navigating this system can be overwhelming.

In partnership with the Greater Syracuse Labor Council, United Way produces a Guide to Services for the Unemployed. The guide lists counseling services,  supports for financial, food, energy and other basic needs, contact information for reduced-cost legal assistance and links to health clinics and health insurance information.

Unfortunately for many workers, finding another local job in the same occupation may not be possible. And transitioning to a new career after years in a manufacturing job can be an enormous adjustment.

 “It’s unfortunate, but in reality many of these workers will not find another job in manufacturing,” Hudson explains. “And after 20 years in the factory, you may not have the computer skills that are expected today. You may not have any experience making a resume or interviewing for jobs. These are skills you’re going to need before you can re-enter the workforce.”

“Mrs. Hudson helped me tremendously.” Tirado said. “Thanks to her, I found my apprenticeship and I feel like I can call on her if I need more help. She makes you feel like family.”

“United Way of Central New York has a special role within the workplace,” notes United Way president Frank Lazarski. “Supporting displaced workers is an important priority. United Way has always had a strong partnership with business and organized labor here in Central New York and we’re glad to be there when they need our help. It’s just really unfortunate that we’ve had to do it so much in the past few years. Workers who supported United Way for many years may find themselves needing help from the same programs they once supported with their pledges. We tell people, you supported these services for others, so don’t hesitate to use them yourself.”