The Human Costs of Worker Displacement

This study addresses the personal and familial consequences associated with the worker displacement that followed the closing of the Bridegstone/Firestone tire production plant in Decatur, Illinois, in December of 2001. A series of three surveys were sent to the last known addresses of all former Firestone workers. The first was sent immediately after the closure of the Decatur plant; the others went out six months and one year later. The surveys solicited job search information as well as personal and familial costs associated with the plant closing. Focus group interviews were held throughout the year and provided a rich context for the survey data. The results of this two-pronged approach reveal the human costs faced by displaced workers. I argue that economic development plans need to prioritize enhancing worker productivity through ongoing training programs and prioritize direct assistance of displaced and dislocated workers and their families. I conclude with recommendations about how to diminish the burdens on displaced workers.