Even more bad news for the boating industry.
Sea Ray Employees To Take One Month Furlough
Tuesday, April 07, 2009 12:31:20 AM
Reported By Saul Saenz
PALM COAST -- Flagler County has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state and it could get a little higher now that one of the county's biggest employers just let some workers go.
Jim Clay was fired during the initial round of layoffs a few months ago by boat manufacturer Sea Ray.
He will be joined by former fellow employees now that Sea Ray handed out more pink slips last week.
The manufacturer would not say how many were fired.
"It obviously was getting pretty bad at the time when I was let go. But evidently it hasn't been getting any better and it looks like it's gonna get a lot worse before it gets any better," Clay said.
It already has.
Sea Ray told its remaining 290 employees at the Palm Coast manufacturing plant they will have to take a one month long unpaid furlough.
Many will be eligible for unemployment.
According to a representative with a one stop employment center, the county's already high unemployment rate, 14.2 percent, could soar up to 15 percent.
It's a fact that contributes to a tragic cycle during tough economic times.
"Without a doubt it affects everything. Unemployment doesn't pay much obviously. And you got a family to support, and a house to pay for. Things don't go very far," Clay said.
Less money circulating in the economy affects retail businesses, home sales and yes, fewer boats sold.
In fact, Sea Ray spokesman Dan Kubera said boat sales were down last year by as much as 30 percent. It's highest drop since 1965.
Two hundred seventy workers at Sea Ray's second Florida plant in Merritt Island will also take a one month long furlough.
The boat manufacturer will even begin making smaller boats, hoping those will sell better than bigger boats.
Kubera told News 13 more Sea Ray workers could join Clay on the unemployment line if boats sales continue to plummet.
"I've got resumes everywhere and no one's calling me back," Clay said.
The city of Palm Coast has offered Sea Ray incentives to stay in the area.
In fact, City Manager Jim Landen told News 13 the city is getting ready to provide Sea Ray with a $1.2 million economic development grant next month.
One of the contingencies is that it remains open and continues manufacturing boats in the area, which means keeping people employed in Palm Coast.
More Bad News - Sea Ray Employees To Take One Month Furlough
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