Laurie Wink, The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Long-time Michigan City clothing manufacturer Jaymar-Ruby will officially close Nov. 4, leaving a total of 90 employees out of work.
Howard Heffron, in charge of operations at the Michigan City plant at 1100 Kieffer Road, said he got word of the closing Aug. 7 via an e-mail message from a representative of Emerisque Brands, based in London. The British company had just purchased Hartmarx, Jaymar's parent company. Hartmarx drew headlines in January when it was announced the company, maker of suits worn by President Barack Obama, was struggling to avoid bankruptcy.
Less than a week after Emerisque purchased Hartmarx, it closed factories in Rock Island, Ill., Anniston, Ala., and Hamilton, Ontario, leaving 525 employees out of work.
Heffron said the e-mail he received contained attached letters notifying each employee of a termination date. About 15 workers were let go at 4 p.m. Aug. 7, while others received termination dates ranging from September to the November plant closing.
Heffron, a 23-year-veteran with Jaymar, was told he'll stay on as a temporary employee until Nov. 4. He was reluctant to say much on the record. Other employees were eager to talk about what they consider unfair labor practices, including not getting a severance package.
Shirley Horn, a 33-year Jaymar employee in payroll and human resources, said she has temporary worker status until Nov. 4. She described the mood at the local plant as "pretty sad."
"Most of us are disappointed because we thought they would save our jobs," Horn said. "We've had people who have worked here for as long as 45 years. We heard nothing from anyone saying they were sorry this happened."
James Nichols is one of 24 labor union workers still at the plant. He said there has been "a lot of yelling and screaming" since the closing was announced. Nichols, who has worked in the receiving department for 18 years, said nobody knew about the decision to shutter the local plant.
"They gave us reassurance that we would have the same contract," Nichols said. "Now the company wants to throw us out like we're nobody."
On Monday, Nichols met with City Councilman Willie Milsap, D-5th Ward, to ask for his help in contacting political representatives. Milsap said he will try to set up meetings with State Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, and U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-Granger, on behalf of Nichols to talk about what is happening to Jaymar workers.
"You've got to gather the facts before you can do anything," Milsap said. "I'm willing to sit at the table but I can't guarantee anything. I don't have a magic wand."
Jaymar-Ruby was established in Chicago in 1916 by Burton Ruby, who moved the business to Michigan City in 1922.
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