Whatcom coronavirus business updates: Job losses mount, Cherry Point manufacturers continue
Cherry Point manufacturers still operating
The three big manufacturers of the Cherry Point area — BP, Phillips66 and Alcoa — continue to operate during the coronavirus outbreak.
As of Friday, March 20, Phillips66 refinery and the Alcoa Intalco aluminum smelter reported on their websites that they are continuing normal production but taking the typical measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Those measures include social distancing and having nonessential personnel work from home if possible.
In an email, BP spokesman Michael Abendhoff said its Cherry Point refinery is operating normally. They have stepped up cleaning and those who can work from home are doing so.
Combined, the three manufacturers had more than 1,500 workers in 2018, according to data collected by the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University.
Job losses mount
The state’s employment department is indicating that the job losses from the coronavirus outbreak could be large.
In a news release, the head of the Employment Security Department noted that it has received a huge increase in calls and inquiries about unemployment benefits.
Here are some stats noted by Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi Levine:
▪ Last week, the agency saw a 150% increase in claims.
▪ SharedWork, a layoff aversion program that employers may utilize to reduce the hours of their staff but avoid laying them off, has experienced a more than 500% increase last week from its usual volume, according to the news release.
▪ The department’s website had 280,000 users on March 16-17, for more than 500,000 users in just two days. Typically, the site has 30,000 users during that time.
▪ On March 17 alone, the department received 19,250 calls, which is 827% higher than the previous Tuesday.
The state’s labor force has been in upheaval this week because of the closures of several industries in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. Those include bars, hair salons, restaurant dining areas and fitness centers.
Find WorkSource online
The state’s employment offices are converting to all-virtual operations during the coronavirus outbreak.
In a news release, the Employment Security Department announced that all WorkSource offices across Washington state closed for in-person customer service on Wednesday, March 18, until health guidance suggests it is safe to re-open.
Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine said the decision was made to best address economic and health considerations of people using the WorkSouce services.
More information can be found at WorkSourceWA.com.
Big sale of Mallard Ice Cream
Mallard Ice Cream announced on Facebook that it is selling 2.5 gallon tubs of various ice cream and sorbet flavors.
The tubs serve about 60 scoops and are selling for $120. Cookie flavors, which have less volume, are selling at $100. The tubs are about 10 inches in diameter and 11 inches in height. To arrange for pickup, email kitchen.mallard@gmail.com.
For those not looking for a whole tub, Mallard is also selling pints.
Faithlife steps up
In order to help its customers deal with the coronavirus, Bellingham-based Faithlife is offering some of its services for free to churches.
In a news release the company announced that it is offering six months free on its platforms designed to simplify and encourage donations at church.
“During this unprecedented time for the world, it is more important than ever that Christians continue to be faithful with their finances,” said Faithlife founder and CEO Bob Pritchett in the news release. “Allowing tithing and giving to be easily accessible and trackable through online platforms will encourage church members to continue giving and see that the needs in their church and community are met.”
The company is also offering a number of free and low-cost tools to help them take their church online during this pandemic.
Sojourn shopping experience
Sojourn, the women’s clothing store in downtown Bellingham, is offering customers a private shopping experience during the coronavirus outbreak.
In a Facebook post, Sojourn noted that it will give up to four customers a private tour of the store and will sanitize the store before and after each appointment. To make an appointment, call 360-410-9542.
Grocery worker benefits
Several union groups have agreed on a framework to help its members receive support from local grocery stores during the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier this week the UFCW 21, 367, 1439 and Teamsters 38 have reached an understanding with Fred Meyer, Safeway and Haggen.
The resolution, announced through a news release, includes a variety of benefits for store workers. Examples include more flexibility to accommodate childcare, two weeks pay for workers diagnosed with COVID-19 and expanded use of paid sick leave to cover childcare.
Whatcom County grocery stores have been particularly busy during this outbreak, resulting in higher sales but more time spent restocking and cleaning.
WECU makes changes
The Whatcom County credit union WECU is temporarily restricting access to branch lobbies, including the Home Loan and Business Banking Centers, beginning Thursday, March 19.
Branches will be staffed and are still offering service through the drive-up windows, according to a news release.
Branches without drive-ups will be closed. This includes the Bellis Fair, Sudden Valley, and Fairhaven branches. The Everson branch will be open by appointment.
WECU offers special loans
WECU is offering two loan programs aimed at helping individuals and businesses affected by the coronavirus.
The consumer loan program, structured to help individuals who may be financially impacted by COVID-19, offers access to a personal loan of up to $5,000 with terms of 3.90% for up to 24 months and no payments for the first 90 days.
An applicant doesn’t need to be a member but they do need to qualify for membership. The member needs to live, work or worship in Washington state. As for credit score, WECU will take a “big picture” approach when looking at applications during the current outbreak, said Keith Mader, program manager at the credit union.
The business banking emergency assistance program, which will be available starting Thursday, March 19, offers loan payment deferral for current WECU business loans for up to 90 days, lines of credit up to $50,000 with first payment due in 90 days, and 0% interest rate savings secured lines of credit up to $100,000 for 12 months.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 7:47 AM.
