Job loss leads to violent emotions in Wayland

WAYLAND, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The economy continues taking its toll on people across the country. Locally, the emotion and pain of job loss struck in Wayland Friday as tempers flared and employees fought just hours after they found out they were losing their jobs.

Employee Jason Stanton went after another employee in desperation in the aftermath of a difficult day.

30 employees at Wayland Chevrolet found out their jobs were gone on Friday, and to many in town the move came as a huge surprise. Compassion and sympathy were extended for those dealing with the sudden loss.

"You're talking about a lot of benefits and income," said Mike Shea, owner of the Village Pharmacy, "and so in this economic climate it's just sad, sad."

While Shea expressed sadness, outside Wayland Chevrolet, anger was on display. After the fight, Stanton confronted Newschannel 3's crew.

Wayland police responded to the scene and told us the altercation that Newschannel 3 had caught on camera was the second fight of the day at the car dealership.

When he'd cooled down, Stanton told us why he was so angry.

"Does it matter how hard you work, because there is somebody a little bit above you that has the right to control every decision and every effort you put forward, don't you have a right to be a little bit mad when somebody says hey we're all done," said Stanton. "It's terrible, horrible."

The owners of the dealership blamed the failing auto industry and the closing of the General Motors stamping plant as reasons for the closure.

The closure in Wayland is the third dealership to close recently. The first came in December when Classic Chevrolet in Wyoming closed its doors, putting 60 employees out of work, then Bill Seif in Hastings closed in January, where 18 workers lost their jobs.