MACON, Ga. — More than 350 people are asking what they can do since the partial closure of the Valmiera Glass plant in Dublin left them without a job. On Monday, the company said they were shutting down Phase II of the plant because they were losing money.
Sabrina Burse spoke to some of workers who were laid off and found out what resources are available for them. Some people who used to work at the plant said the last thing they expected was to show up to work and it be their last day on the job.
"It all happened that day and everything just went downhill," said Valmiera employee Andrew Holland.
Holland worked at the plant for almost two years. He went to the Georgia Department of Labor to explore his job options.
"I'm doing unemployment, but I'm getting leads from four other jobs," said Holland.
Gregory Hill says it's frustrating because the closing was so unexpected.
"It's a little bit angering, but what can you do now? What can you do but file for unemployment and they're not going to give you what you got paid?" said Hill.
Clairissa Beasley agreed.
"I feel like I shouldn't have to be doing this right now because of how they just closed," said Beasley.
Those workers can visit employgeorgia.com to create a searchable resume for employers. Patsy Carr, the manager at the Dublin and Eastman Career Center, says the Department of Labor is also planning a recruitment event for the laid-off plant employees.
"We are coordinating with our local service agents and partners to make sure these people get everything they need," said Carr.
Holland says the closing ended a chapter in his life and it's time to open a new one.
"I'm not working, so the best next thing to do is to go and find a job, and that's what I'm going to go do," said Holland.
Carr says the Department of Labor and Oconee Fall Line Technical College will host a job fair with more than 70 employers. It happens at the college's Dublin campus on July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at 560 Pinehill Road.