Automotive Workers In Michigan Not the Only Industry Hit by Lay Offs.

 Michiganders are feeling the crunch from the almost 350,000 automotive workers layed off since 2001. Although it came in waves that is close to the total number.

One other group has also been hit by tremendous layoffs and that is the Construction Workers and trades. Since May 2006 to current over 15,000 people who work in building, drywall, painters, framers, electricians, plumbers and builders have cut there work force.

The number of building permits fell almost 51% from this time last year. January 2006-May 2006 vs January 2007-May 2007. Pulte Homes has cut 16% of its work force throughout the United States, with many, many from the state of Michigan due to the decline in new construction.

For more information you can read the Detroit News Article.

I'm not even going to mention Pfizer leaving as I have posted on it before many times as it was a direct hit for us in Ann Arbor.

According to Joan Crary a U.M. Economist, she sees job losses bottoming out in 2009 and a turn around later that year. Only 13% of Michigan residents have a positive outlook for the state which has been heavily weighted in the automotive industry. That is a scary figure. Three-fourths of all Michigan job loses are automotive related. 

 The last good news in Michigan came last summer, when Google announced they were bringing in 1000 jobs over the next 5 years. Currently they have about 50 employees. They are here for 2 reasons, Larry Page graduated from U.M. with his undergrad degree and they are digitalizing the library at U.M.

We are in a state that desperately needs to diversify its labor force. We must STOP being so dependant on the automotive industry. With that many job losses since 2001, it is my opinion Detroit had every opportunity to correct the changes that needed to happen years before. This crisis in confidence and down-turn did not happen over-night.

We need NEW business models to move to Michigan. Although I am a transplanted Southerner and long to return, I have lived here 24 years and raised my 5 children here. I am worried about their future should they decide to stay. Well, 2 have already said good-bye and are pursuing college and careers in TN.

I know Michigan is not the only state struggling right now.

What about your state ?

What is causing the slowing of the market in other states, localities.

Maybe your state is doing fantastic, let me know.

I need some Good News !!