The seven percent cut in white-collar ranks will be in addition to over 10,000 hourly jobs that are likely to be eliminated in the top-to-bottom overhaul of the underperforming US unit of the German automaker DaimlerChrysler AG. According to sources, the restructure plan dubbed as “Project X” will be slashing Chrysler’s 14,180 US salaried workers, approximately 1,000 positions.

When asked about the secret restructure plan, a Chrysler spokesman declined to comment. However, the said plan is scheduled to be unraveled by Tom LaSorda, Chrysler CEO, this coming Wednesday. “We’re not going to comment on that,” said Michael Aberlich of Chrysler. “Tom will make the announcement as to what will be included in the restructuring plan on the 14th.”

Managers at Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills announced that their departmental budgets for 2007 have been recalled in anticipation of the downsizing. “Nearly all of Chrysler’s 14,180 U.S. salaried employees work in Auburn Hills and other facilities in Michigan,” said David Elshoff of Chrysler. White-collar jobs of the company have been continuously shrinking. Elshoff added Chrysler had nearly 19,000 white-collar workers at the end of 2000.

Chrysler reported a projected $1.2 billion loss last year. This fact is the primary reason for the latest white-collar cuts. Analysts said that in downsizing strategies, salaried workers are often vulnerable because of their paychecks and their lack of protection by union contracts. “The white-collar will go first,” said Kenneth Dalto, an independent restructuring consultant in Farmington Hills. “It’s what they call low-hanging fruit. You can pick them easy.”

Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler’s chairman, intends to transform the company into a smaller more-efficient car manufacture that will serve as mighty competitor in the American auto market. “Project X” requires cooperation in vehicle development between Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz. However, the aftermaths of said restructure plan include plant closures, shift elimination and detrimental job cuts.

Unlike General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co., Chrysler is not offering buyouts and early retirements to its unionized work force. Instead, the company will be offering retirement incentive packages to hourly workers at select assembly plants and other manufacturing locations in the United States and Canada.

GM and Ford are struggling hard to cope with the auto industry crises. Aside from plant closures and job cuts, the automakers have released a more powerful lineup to circumvent the flow of automotive events. GM style, Chevy brakes, Ford engines, Volvo performance part, and the entire lineup of the two auto giants are significantly upgraded to cope in the shortest possible time.

Sources familiar to the plan added that the internal goal is to trim about 10,000 hourly jobs from 60,000 unionized positions of the company, and reduce production capacity to match its dwindling market share. Chrysler intends to offer unionized workers a cash payment of $50,000 or more, plus a voucher that can be put toward the purchase of a Chrysler vehicle.

An analyst said Chrysler’s downsizing won’t be as dramatic as those at GM and Ford, but still painful. “Ford and GM have been going through some gut-wrenching changes and we don’t think that what happens at Chrysler will be nearly as drastic,” said David Kudla of Mainstay Capital Management in Grand Blanc. Kudla added, “It won’t all happen in one place,” he said. “It will be spread across the organization. That’s a natural part of the process.”

The downsizing is expected to include the cover an assembly plant in Newark, Del., and an engine plant in Detroit. Shift reduction will likely affect the Jefferson North plant in Detroit, a pickup plant in St. Louis, Mo., and assembly plants located in Windsor and Brampton, Ontario.

By: Glady Reign

Stop! Where are you going to go? Manufacturing moved south. How far south are you willing to go? Mexico? Or maybe China? Manufacturing is not the only game in town. Many people exit Michigan, only to find out jobs are scarce everywhere.

What skills are you taking with you?

Housing cost and the cost of living is lower in other states. So is the quality of life! What are you willing to sacrifice? Inadequate school systems, hurricanes, tornadoes, excessive heat, poor housing, blah, blah, blah…………

We are the government, so we must blame ourselves. Blaming serves no value to improvement. Action is the key. There are many opportunities for you to take charge in your own government. Get involved in your community. Know what your elected officials are doing and not doing to improve your life and the future of your family. When our elected officials are taking the wrong direction, let them know your concerns. All your officials have a way to contact them and it has been my experience that they do read your e-mails and letters and will respond. Get out and VOTE! Voting is key in taking charge of your life. Stay in Michigan and let your voice be heard through your ballot.

Michigan is beautiful, and so are the people in this state. We have the most beautiful beaches around. Don’t use the sandy beaches to stick your head in. Get creative. I know there are skills and abilities within all of us to create an income to maintain our life styles. Write down all your interests and hobbies. There is an untapped wealth of resources in all of us just from living life. Turn them into an income. Think out of the box and you will be amazed at your value. You have a connection to the internet, if you are reading this article. Use the internet for a tool to market your talent or information. People are creating massive amounts of wealth selling information and skills via the internet.

We live here because we love it here. Own your state and be an active member of it. There is a butterfly effect to making it a better place to live if we all participate, even if it seems small and insignificant. Stop the exiting of Michigan!

By: DJNuttall

If an initial claim for unemployment benefits is denied, it is important for an unemployed worker to understand why they were denied, and what they can do to request a re-determination or appeal to protect their rights and get a proper and just determination. This article addresses the basic framework and is intended to help the Michigan unemployment applicant understand the process. In difficult situations, experienced legal representation may be essential.

The Unemployment Application Process in Michigan

During their first week of unemployment, unemployed workers are asked to visit the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency’s website at: http://www.michigan.gov/uia, the website is available to file new unemployment claims Monday – Saturday from 7am to 7pm. There is also a telephone option: 1-866-500-0017. Unless instructed otherwise by Unemployment Agency staff, applicants must register within two to three business days at their local Michigan Works! Agency to upload a resume to the Michigan Talent Bank.

First time applicants will receive in the mail the following items:

–A determination showing the amount of weekly benefits and the number of weeks they may receive based on the wages earned.
–A booklet with detailed information about their rights and responsibilities for unemployment benefits.
–If there is an eligibility issue with their claim, they will receive a separate notice.

The unemployment claim process starts with an initial determination by the Unemployment Agency as to whether the applicant is eligible. Provided the applicant was fully employed in an eligible job, the agency’s determination is based on two questions: whether the separation from employment was voluntary and, if not, whether the employment termination was based on misconduct. The initial determination is a first look and is not often without mistakes.

Unfortunately, mistakes in the initial unemployment determination are common. The most common mistakes involve inappropriate assumptions about a resignation or overreaching claims of misconduct in employer challenges. Often, employers challenge the benefits based on general performance issues or tardiness, issues not considered to be misconduct under the unemployment law. Misconduct under the employment laws is meant to be a limited category related to outright theft, misrepresentation or workplace drunkenness, not generalized performance issues.

When it comes to voluntary termination of employment, mistakes are often based on assumptions when employees resign just to protect their record, when in fact, many employees resign only involuntarily and only because they have been told their job is ending. Such resignations are not “voluntary” under the Michigan unemployment laws and should not be used to deny benefits.

Basic Requirements for Michigan Unemployment Benefits

The Michigan unemployment agency looks at the unemployed worker’s earnings in the first four out of the past five completed calendar quarters to determine if they are eligible for benefit payments. If they do not qualify under the “standard base period” they will then be reexamined using the four most recent quarters called the “alternate base period.” There is one last section to determine qualifications that the unemployed worker will have to certify with the State of Michigan. According to the UIA website, “To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must be unemployed and able to, available for, and actively seeking suitable full-time work.” Some may worry that if they left their previous employer by turning in a resignation that they would be exempt from unemployment benefits. Although initial unemployment determinations may result in a denial of benefits, the fact of a resignation should not result in a denial, if it is involuntary.

The Process for Unemployment Beneficiaries Explained

Once qualified with an approved claim, the unemployed worker must continually certify their unemployed status with the State of Michigan every other week. The unemployed worker is expected to report to the UIA through the use of the Internet or telephone using Michigan’s Automated Response Voice Interactive Network, (MARVIN). A scheduled MARVIN appointment is based on the last two digits of their Social Security number. To access MARVIN via the Internet, unemployment beneficiaries can visit http://www.michigan.gov/uia and select the “UIA Online Services for Unemployed Workers” link. A free UIA online account can be created. MARVIN can also be reached at 1-866-638-3993, to find out scheduled times, beneficiaries can visit http://www.michigan.gov/uia.

How Much Will Michigan Unemployment Beneficiaries Receive and How?

Once approved and certified, it is important to know how the UIA determines the amount of unemployment benefit payment and how to receive it. During the unemployment application process, the UIA will ask the unemployed workers to select a choice of payment through either a state issued debit card or direct deposit into their personal bank account. To determine the specific amount of benefit payments, the UIA staff multiplies the highest amount of wages paid in any base period quarter by 4.1%. For each dependant claimed, the UIA adds $6 per dependant up to five. Currently, the weekly benefit amount is capped at a maximum of $362.

To determine how many weeks of benefits are available to an unemployed worker, the UIA multiplies total base period wages by 43% and then divides that answer by a weekly benefit amount. The initial benefit cannot be less than 14 weeks or more than 26 weeks. However, many emergency changes to the process have resulted in a series of extensions for unemployment beneficiaries. For some, benefits may extend up to 72 weeks. The new federal stimulus package may also include subsidy for extended COBRA benefits for some beneficiaries.

Special Emergency Extensions Available to Michigan’s Unemployed Workers

In recent developments, the Federal Government has provided an extension of benefits under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC), which includes a 20 week extension upon the initial state benefit period. The second part of the EUC is an additional 13 week extension upon that. In addition, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm signed an extension benefit for an additional 13 weeks as of February 13th, 2009. Therefore, the total of available weeks of unemployment benefits that unemployed workers may receive would equal 72 weeks. The unemployment agency is responsible for notifying those eligible for the extensions when they are approaching the end of their initial claim.

What to Do If Michigan Unemployment Benefits are Denied or Challenged

The Michigan unemployment process is complex and has many layers. The agency’s first decision is called a determination. After that the employer or the employee has 30 days to challenge the determination and request a “redetermination.” If either side is not satisfied, they are given an additional amount of time to request an appeal, to be heard by an administrative law judge at the unemployment agency.

For both sides, the appeal will be the first chance to present evidence and take testimony. After the appeal, challenges may go on to a board of review and then to Michigan’s court system. The biggest mistake people make is to give up on the process too early or to allow deadlines to pass. Employees often lose their rights – sometimes worth over $20,000 – simply by missing the deadlines. Sometimes, employers succeed by making continuous challenges and waiting for the employee to give up.

Other times employees may lose because they did not prepare for the appeal, or they are not adequately represented when they get there. When it comes to an appeal, many employees lose because they are not prepared to give testimony at the hearing or they are not represented. Simple steps can be taken to protect unemployment appeal rights. Unemployment advocates are available free of charge through the agency and some private employment attorneys are willing represent individuals in the unemployment process for a flat fee. Whatever they do, beneficiaries should never let their unemployment agency deadlines lapse with out seeking qualified legal advice.

By: David Blanchard

Michigan is famous for the Great Lakes. Because the state is situated next to it, you can enjoy great boating experience with your family. This state is also famous for fishing. So, if you enjoy boating and fishing, the State of Michigan is the place you would probably want to live in.

In Michigan, VoIP is now readily available. If you live in Michigan, and you already have an active high speed internet connection, you too can avail of the VoIP services. First of all, you need to understand what VoIP is and how you can benefit from it.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and is sometimes referred to as Internet Voice. This particular tool is very much like your conventional landline telephone. However, unlike your conventional landline telephone, VoIP will be able to provide better quality and cheaper communication with your family, friends and your business associates.

One great feature of VoIP is that long distance and overseas calls are much cheaper than conventional landline phones. In fact, when you compare a 5 minute overseas call from a conventional landline phones to a VoIP phone, you will see that the overall cost in the call made from VoIP is only a fraction of what you will spend on conventional landline phones.

Another feature of VoIP is that it offers features, which you would consider as additional features in conventional landline phones, as standard features. Features, such as three-way calling, caller ID, return call, call waiting, audio conferencing, and video conferencing are provided as standard features in VoIP. This means that you will never pay a single cent to use these services unlike in conventional landline phones where they will charge extra for each of the features mentioned.

As you can see, VoIP can definitely give you a lot of value for your money. In fact, VoIP offers are so affordable that some people consider it as too good to be true. If you want to take advantage of VoIP and have one in your own home, you can consider calling your nearest VoIP service provider in your area and inquire about their services.

Today, there are quite a few VoIP service providers existing in Michigan today. If you live in the State of Michigan, you should consider subscribing to one of these service providers in order to use VoIP right in the comforts of your own home or in your business in Michigan.

Here are the different VoIP service providers existing in Michigan today:

• Packet8 VOIP Michigan
• Sunrocket Michigan
• Iconnecthere Michigan
• MyPhoneCompany Michigan
• Vonage Michigan
• Verizon VoiceWing VOIP

All these companies offer great VoIP services and offer it at a very low monthly fee. Some of these companies offer an IP phone for free or you can purchase one at their company if you need additional IP phones.

Michigan also takes advantage of the E911 feature for VoIP. The Enhanced 911 feature is the solution for emergency calls made through VoIP phones. The state of Michigan is now pressuring VoIP service providers to have this feature integrated in their VoIP system.

Depending on your DSL connection in Michigan, VoIP will work very effectively and efficiently. So, if you plan on getting VoIP for your home or for your business, you should consider checking your DSL connection first and determine if it is able to provide quality service to avoid low quality transmission and reception of VoIP data signals through the internet.

So, if you want a phone that is able to offer great value for your money, or if you want a phone system that offers very low rates for long distance and overseas calls, VoIP will be able to provide you with this service. In Michigan, VoIP is now readily available. All you have to do is call the company that appeals to you most and also the company where a lot of people are subscribed in. A VoIP service provider with a lot of subscriber means free calls and also means that it is trusted by a lot of people.

By: Emanuel Patton

In her final State of the State address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said her administration has set the foundation for a new Michigan economy by diversifying and creating jobs, educating people to fill and create jobs, and helping people transition from the old economy to the new.  Work on these priorities continues, she said.

“Step by step, we have been making it happen,” Granholm said.  “We have purposefully laid the foundation for Michigan’s new economy, steadily building each of six new sectors.

“Where the old Michigan economy was all about autos and manufacturing, the new Michigan economy is much broader:  clean energy, life sciences, homeland security and defense, advanced-manufacturing, film and tourism.  We have steadily focused on the unique attributes that give us a competitive advantage.  No state has the skilled workforce we do.  Nobody has the capacity and the manufacturing know-how we have.  Nobody has the natural resources we have.  Combine that with our great universities and colleges, and we’re using these unique assets to attract new companies and whole new industries.”

Members of next year’s Legislature will have new ideas and new plans, Granholm said, but a course has been set.

“Democrats, Republicans and independents alike will have to confront this truth:  We cannot turn back,” Granholm said.  “This plan – diversifying, educating, protecting people – this is the path forward.”

To continue moving forward, the governor said next steps include passing a balanced budget that helps create jobs; further reforming government to make it more efficient, less costly, and more focused on job-creation and education; and continuing to grow jobs in Michigan.

The governor said she’ll present her comprehensive proposal for the 2011 fiscal year budget next week, but did touch on a few areas.

“My budget for the year ahead will restore the Michigan Promise scholarship, identify a creative way to pay for it, and give it a new focus – keeping our young people in Michigan when they earn their degrees,” Granholm said.  “And we have to draw the line against additional education cuts in the year ahead.”

The governor also called on the legislature to follow the recommendations of the bipartisan Transportation Funding Task Force for investing in roads and infrastructure, and said the state will gain $2 billion in federal road funds over the next four years if it can provide a 20 percent match.

“Without the match, we lose the federal funds and 10,000 construction jobs each year going forward,” Granholm said.

She also said the award-winning Pure Michigan tourism campaign should continue, noting that for every dollar invested in the ads, Michigan gets back $2.23 in state tax revenues from tourists spending money here.

To further advance economic diversification, job-creation, education, and protection of Michigan citizens, the governor called for:

• fighting hard for Michigan’s fair share of federal funding so that the state can invest in jobs and education.  The governor thanked the Obama administration and supportive members of Congress on behalf of the 42,000 Michigan citizens who now have jobs through Recovery Act funding.

• making more than $40 million available for business start-ups through a Michigan Small Business Financing Alliance created by the Granholm administration and the Michigan Credit Union League. About 2,100 new businesses are expected to benefit from $43 million in credit union loans.

• improving access to capital for small businesses by asking the Legislature to approve a new income tax credit for investment in small businesses and asking Washington to give small and medium-sized auto suppliers greater access to capital so they can diversify.

• training 1,000 prospective entrepreneurs in 12 small business assistance centers across the state through a nationally-recognized training program.

• opening 10 new learning labs in the metro Detroit area to provide tutoring and computer-assisted learning to adults to help them succeed in technical training.

• transforming abandoned auto factories into new job-creating enterprises through a state-local partnership called Project Phoenix.

• demolishing or refurbishing 5,000 blighted homes and buildings this year through a $223 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

• constructing a 21st century health-care information system in Michigan, with federal assistance, that will improve patient care and reduce costs.

“For me, it comes down to this:  to fight every day for the jobs the people of Michigan want and need,” Granholm said.  “And help them make the difficult, often painful transition from an old economy that’s disappearing, to a new economy that’s only just beginning to emerge.”