DUNCAN Okla_ More than 100 Duncan
Halliburton employees lost their jobs to layoffs this week. Many of them
continue to work harder than ever looking for new ones.
Today, former Halliburton
employees gathered inside a classroom at Duncan's
Red River Technology
Center, gathering information provided
by Workforce Oklahoma.
There, they learned what benefits they were entitled to, how to apply for
unemployment, and what they could do to get back to work as quickly as
possible.
When it comes
to layoffs, getting back to work as soon as possible can mean the difference of
keeping or losing one's car, home, and income. That's why Workforce Oklahoma's Rapid Response
Team jumped into action just one day after they found so many looking for work.
Just last week,
Steve Pollock was here working as a machinist at Halliburton. Today, like
everyone else in this classroom, he's looking for a job.
"There's
also a place north of town I'm going to check," Pollock said. "I've already
done one interview this morning at Hydro-Rig out east of town."
While Halliburton
layoffs are not all that uncommon along with re-employment, former employees
said it's still not comforting amidst a wavering economy.
"People
have haven't gone back years later," former Halliburton employee Halston Mills
said. "It just depends when they get hired back. I quit in ‘79 or ‘81, got laid
off in ‘09 and got laid off again."
Thousands of Halliburton
employees look at working with this organization as more than just a source of
income. It is also a way of life.
"It's
supported this town for all my life," Pollock said. "It supported me all my
life. My dad worked here for 36 years, so it's been here for a long time."
Workforce Duncan employee Chris Moore
understands what those out of work are up against. He said that's why placing
them in new jobs is so important.
"It's a
big shock to your system," Moore
said. "A lot of people invest who they are into their job. "We give them some
other options and let them know there is hope."
That's exactly
what Pollock said he and so many others are looking for.
"I need
some help," Pollock said "I mean, you go from making money to no money. It
kind of hurts. You still got bills, you know?"
Most of the
people in the meeting seemed to be in good spirits, saying this is something
they've grown to expect and will soon pass. In fact, Workforce Oklahoma received a call from a Chickasha business that said they were
looking for workers and asked that these former Halliburton employees apply.
If you would
like more information about Workforce Oklahoma
and how they can help you, call the Duncan
branch at 580-255-8950.
