A favor returned to workers

Boeing workers have been there for those in need, and now, United Way representative Bill Borders reminds those workers, the community is here for them.

By Steve Powell

Herald Writer

If you are about to be laid off from Boeing or some other business hurt by the recent economic downturn, try not to worry.

There is a tremendous amount of support out there.

"There are an incredible array of programs," said Bill Borders, who plays a key role in connecting workers in need with help as the community services liaison between the United Way and the labor community.

"There’s an enormous amount of activity in the nonprofit world to help infants to teens to families to seniors to hospice that nobody knows about.

"Until you’re laid off you don’t know what’s there and what’s not."

From car dealers to grocery store workers, layoffs could affect many different jobs, he said.

"It’ll trickle down. I can’t think of a business that won’t be affected," he said.

The irony is that Boeing workers are some of the greatest supporters of United Way, in terms of donations and volunteerism, he said.

"They support us. Now we have to support them," he said.

Borders said Boeing often gets a bad rap during layoffs.

"They are the biggest person on the block, so they are easy to be criticized," he said, adding the layoffs have a "powerful effect on people’s psyche" in the community.

Borders said Boeing does a good job providing benefits for laid-off workers, except for those who just got called back to work or those on the edge financially.

"There is a great safety net for those at 200 percent of the poverty level," he said. "The challenge is those just a few paychecks away from being out on the street."

When times get tough, local residents seem to come through, though. He said now is the time for people who aren’t hurting to give back to their communities.

"The community rallies. We’re a recipe on how to do it," he said.

Border said there can never be too much giving.

"We never catch up to the need out there," he said.

Borders said when layoffs are coming, families need to take a timeout and prepare.

"I’ve seen people who prepare better for a quake than getting laid off. It blows my mind," he said.

He gave some examples of how people can prepare. He said getting immunized can save people from costly health bills. By working with the Snohomish County Public Utility District, people can reduce their electric bills. And by going to the bank or the Boeing Employees’ Credit Union people can get advice on financial management.

Along with the United Way, he said nonprofit groups such as the Volunteers of America, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army can be a great help.

"We try to make sure people don’t fall through the cracks," he said of all the agencies. "We tirelessly turn every stone over" to try to find help for people in need.

When it comes to jobs, the government has streamlined its services with WorkSource. And the Paine Field Transition Center has been set up for Boeing workers to hook them up with unemployment benefits.

"It’s more comfortable going in, or you can do it on the phone or Internet.

"It’s not like walking through fire. It’s a seamless, respectful process," Borders said.

The main thing is for laid-off workers to seek help.

"Embarrassment, pain and pride get folks in trouble," he said.

You can call Herald Writer Steve Powell at 425-339-3427

or send e-mail to powell@heraldnet.com.

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