Many Farmland workers, unemployed after the two-day fire that destroyed a third of the plant, remained optimistic about the future of the food processor, but are waiting for news from the company.

Wednesday, July 11, 2001

Many Farmland workers, unemployed after the two-day fire that destroyed a third of the plant, remained optimistic about the future of the food processor, but are waiting for news from the company.

Juan Nunez moved to Albert Lea seven months ago from California to work on the bacon-slicing line. Now that he is finally settled and used to Minnesota weather, Nunez is reluctant to move to find other work.

&uot;I live right across the street from work. I like that because I can save money,&uot; he said. &uot;I want to stay in my place if I can.&uot;

As he completed his unemployment forms Tuesday, Nunez said he will rely on the state’s help and his auto mechanic skills while he waits for news from Farmland. He heard from a co-worker friend that the plant could be up and running again in about four months, but Nunez is worried it will take much longer.

If he is forced to wait past Christmas to resume working at the plant, Nunez said he would probably have to move on.

&uot;I like working at Farmland. It’s a very good job,&uot; Nunez said. &uot;I would wait for a little time to get my job back – maybe a few months. Maybe I can work on some cars to make some extra money.&uot;

If he gets his six-month bonus of $500, Nunez figures he could make that last for awhile. However, he’s worried about helping to support his two daughters, who live in Georgia.

&uot;I had to call them and tell them what happened,&uot; Nunez said. &uot;I don’t know what to do about them yet.&uot;

Though he has no children to support, Nahum Luna is worried about paying bills. Because he and his wife, Josie, both worked at the plant, they must rely on unemployment for awhile.

&uot;We both worked there for two years on the same shift. That was a good thing for us. I hope we don’t have to move back to Texas,&uot; Luna said.

Luna thinks the plant will stay operational because the fire damaged mainly older parts of the facility. Since he works in maintenance, he expects the company to contact him this week about working during the fire clean up.

&uot;That should help us, but I don’t know how long the cleaning will last – maybe not too long,&uot; Luna said. &uot;Maybe if we’re fast, we can start a couple of lines up again.&uot;

Pete Louters, a 31-year maintenance worker, said Albert Lea is his home, so he won’t leave for another job.

&uot;I don’t need to move. My wife is working, and I feel good about some other companies in town. If I have to, finding another job wouldn’t be too tough,&uot; he said.

Kevin Oldenkamp, who also works in maintenance, already has an offer for another job, but he said he will wait to hear some definite word from Farmland.

&uot;I’m in a good situation. I think I’m okay for a month or so, but after that – who knows what I’ll do?&uot; Oldenkamp said.

Homero Zamorano hopes for some answers at an employee meeting Friday at the high school. After two years on the slicing line, he wants to stay in Albert Lea.

&uot;The best we can do is try to find a job around here and wait to hear what they (Farmland officials) say,&uot; Zamorano said. &uot;Maybe it will be some good news.&uot;