Pfizer sales pfizzle and Michigan loses more jobs

Pfizer sales suffered in 2006 and the result is that Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo residents lose places of employment while the state loses another 2,410 jobs. Pfizer is looking to cut 10,000 jobs worldwide by the end of 2008. This makes the Michigan cuts alone nearly 25% of their planned total job cuts. This might hurt on a state level, but the real pain is in the communities of Kalamazoo/Portage and Ann Arbor.

There is a great quote from Tom Watkins, former state school superintendent, in the Free Press article -

Michigan adds jobs in tear drops, like Google, and loses them in roaring tsunamis.

Too true.

It's like we are a ship taking on water and we are bailing it out with a teaspoon.

What is our esteemed Governor's plan?

We’re going to have a whole ‘Stick Around Ann Arbor’ campaign for these employees, because we want them to stay here,” Granholm said.

I don't fault Granholm for Pfizer cutting these jobs. The blame lies with Pfizer - if you want to blame someone. They're cutting costs to raise their bottom line and keep the shareholders happy.

Granholm's position as governor of Michigan is to work with the state legislature and formulate a plan for job growth. Pfizer didn't cut these jobs because Michigan's tax rates were unfair or they didn't like the mole on Granholm's face. They are looking after their bottom line as do all major corporations.

Our state needs some serious fixing - any solutions?

Read the Detroit Free Press article

Read the Ann Arbor News' take on the Pfizer closing

UPS needs Detroiters for extra help this Christmas season

UPS is looking to hire more than 1,200 temporary workers in the Metro Detroit area to help them get packages delivered this Christmas season. About one-third of the needed drivers and two-thirds of the necessary package handlers have already been hired. You had better be quick if you are hoping for a job. Who knows? That temporary job might just turn into full-time work if you're lucky. Competition for the jobs is fierce given the state of Michigan's economy.

The Detroit News reports -

The only requirements for applicants are that they be at least 18 years old, able to lift 70 pounds and have authorization to work in the United States.

Starting pay ranges from $8.50 to $9.50 per hour for package handlers and $14.70 for drivers. Job seekers can only apply online at www.upsjobs.com.

More High-Tech Jobs Created in Michigan

ePrize LLC will be announcing the creation of an additional 450 jobs over the next few years at their Pleasant Ridge offices. Online promotions and sweepstakes for such large corporations as Home Depot and Coca Cola are what ePrize is all about. They pulled in $30 million in revenue last year and have secured a $10 million loan for their planned expansion. Any job creation in Michigan is cause for celebration these days. When those jobs are in the high-tech sector there is cause for extreme celebration. The more jobs we can create here in Michigan that are non-manufacturing, the better our future will be. This is great news for Michigan on the heals of the Google announcement of creating 1,000 jobs in Ann Arbor.

Read the full story in The Detroit News.