Financial Impact of a Plant Closing on Displaced Blue-Collar and White-Collar Workers.

This paper examines the financial impact of the shutdown of a major truck manufacturing plant on a population of 3,596 blue- and white-collar employees. Telephone interviews were conducted with a sample of 555 production, clerical/technical, and managerial employees. Variables examined include subsequent employment experience, income loss, and asset loss. Significant differences were found among the samples, with the predominantly female clerical/technical employees generally suffering the greatest job and income losses, and males in all categories suffering the greatest asset loss. Total asset loss for the population as a whole is in excess of $17 million. Variables associated with income and asset loss are examined, and policy implications and organizing agendas are, explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]