SELMA, AL (WSFA) -
Mary White remembers all
too well the morale took a hit when American Apparel lost a contract making
coats for the U.S. Army.
"It hurt because
this was their livelihoods," said White who is the plant manager at America
Apparel.
Empty chairs at the
sewing stations still tell the story today of the people who were let go.
American Apparel was outbid by SNC, a company in Alaska. American Apparel
appealed that ruling to the Government Accountability Office in Washington,
D.C.
Company leaders spent in
excess of $100,000 in legal fees fighting the decision. In return the GAO
awarded American Apparel a $28 million contract.
"We don't
anticipate having enough work for those 125 people to return. That's the
unfortunate part. The 275 we have here we feel comfortable we'll have working
here through 2013 and 2014," said American Apparel Chief Operating Officer
Chuck Lambert.
Not exactly a full
victory but certainly much better than before.
"Part of the
settlement agreement allows American Apparel to produce 50% of the first year's
delivery here in Selma," said Lambert.
American Apparel is
facing a similar situation at its plant in Opp. Just this week Lambert says he
had to let go 220 employees over a contract cancellation but is also appealing
that decision as well.
White is grateful to
still have a job but also recognizes in today's economy the sharp sting of
unemployment is always a possibility.
"We just take it
one day at a time," White said.
One day at a time and
choosing to look not too far down the road.
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