For unemployed in N.H., working for free pays off

(CBS News) MANCHESTER, N.H. - Steve Gleason puts in 24 hours a week making circuit boards at Electropac, a Manchester, New Hampshire manufacturer. But he's not getting paid.

"I'm very desperate -- you know. I would do anything for a job," Gleason said. "I've been living off my savings."

It's called the "return to work" program - New Hampshire's attempt to match those looking for work with businesses looking for workers. And it doesn't cost company owners like Electropac's Ray Boissoneau a penny.

"They continue to collect their unemployment during that period, so they've not lost anything," Boissoneau said. "The only difference is that instead of sitting around the house, they're able to come to a factory and begin the opportunity to get skilled work and get off the unemployment rolls."

Boissoneau said that the program gives them a helping hand by giving them a leg-up into a job.

The unemployed have up to six weeks to prove themselves. In two years, 236 have turned their volunteer work into permanent jobs -- that's a 40 percent success rate. Boissoneau has tried out seven people and four have made it.

But Boissoneau says he doesn't look at it as unfairly getting free labor.

"It is fair because they are in a process of getting trained for an opportunity for their future," he said.

Gleason's been laid off twice since 2001, the last time 18 months ago. Now 51, his age makes getting hired even tougher.

Gleason said that it would be nice not to have to return to the unemployment office: "I think I spent so much time there they all know me by name: 'Hey everybody, Steve is here.'"

Two days after we first spoke with Gleason, Boissoneau had something to tell him.

"Today is the day you're being invited to join us full-time," he told Gleason, shaking his hand. "Congratulations."

Finally, Steve Gleason gets a paycheck and he says it's like getting a "new life."

One hundred and four thousand Americans have been out of work for as long as Gleason was -- 18 months. They'd like a new life too.

[rwolley]

listen up bitter people, I have worked for Mr Boissoneau for 20 years and he is the most honest,decent person I know,the printed circuit board business is as cutthroat as it comes.He has done everything he can to keep this company afloat.In 2007 there were 650 pcb mfg's in america, now there are less then 200.He is about keeping families fed and warm and he has done a great job of that.so please keep the bitterness to yourself until you know the man, we are no corporation,we have no layers of management fat,we all do 4-5 different jobs in the course of a day including him.I know most of you are probably unemployed and I can understand the feelings, but point your anger at someone else.He did not look for this by the way, they came to him.

[johnpatrick1]

"THEM THAT HAVE THE CAPITAL CALL THE SHOTS." About time that the WORKING PEOPLE in America woke up to the fact that THEY ARE NOT CAPITALISTS BUT THAT THEY ARE JUST THE WORKERS......AND FOR THE MOST PART HAVE NO UNIONS OR ANY ORGANIZATION TO SUPPORT AND AID THEM. Your on your own out there, Bunky. STOP VOTING FOR REPUBLICANS FOR THEY DO NOT REPRESENT YOU THEY REPRESENT THOSE WHO WOULD HAVE YOU BEG AND SLAVE AWAY WITHOUT PAY FOR A PITTANCE OF A JOB. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE BULL **** OF THE BIG LIE IN AMERICA.

[jstaro]

This may be a good program, but while those put in are working and hoping to get hired they're not looking for other opportunities or if they are not able to follow up on those possibilities. This is what this employer says:
"But Boissoneau says he doesn't look at it as unfairly getting free labor.
"It is fair because they are in a process of getting trained for an opportunity for their future," he said""

Thing with that is, if those touting saying well he pays taxes etc. so the labor isn't free they're wrong. Small businesses have had their taxes cut, and with this free labor that means what he is paying is not contributing to the infrastructure needs of his business as well as his personal by those taxes joining the pool of revenue, we are paying for his needs!! These programs also add to the fear within the labor force, don't buck the employer like asking for your worth for the added fear of quickly getting canned, for any reason or no reason in right to work states, and replaced even with a less qualified!

[SeaStarGrace]

I wanted to thank Mr. Axelrod about giving me so much hope for finding a job.--NOT. I am 55 years of age and out of a job. Mr. Axelrod said it was tougher for Mr. Gleason to get a job because he is 51 years of age. You mean to tell me that employers are discriminating against us old-timers?? Maybe Mr. Axelrod should do a report on the EEOC and illegal prohibited employment policies and practises. Maybe the EEOC needs to do some undercover fieldwork and infiltrate the Human Resource Departments. I now want my senior citizens discount--this is discrimination because I am now on a fixed unemployment income and 55 years of age. I don't want to work until I am 70 years, but employers need to wake up and realize that employees my age will be required to work longer in order to receive full social security benefits (no, I am not expecting to see those benefits and yes, I have a 401K that may be soon be in danger). Maybe Mr. Axelrod should do a report on the EEOC and bring it to the attention of employers. Gone are the days for people like me to retire early at 52 or 55 or even 65 years. Otherwise, this work program should be adopted in every state. I am up to 2 and 3 o'clock in the morning looking for a job online and in Pennsylvania we are required to apply for 4-5 jobs and write them on a State Form. The jobs are just not there and I get very few interviews because I need a career change and training. Now Mr. Axelrod has me sinking deeper in a sea of hopelessness because it is tough for someone my "ancient" age to get a job. I will be going back to school, but the work program would better.

[SeaStarGrace]

I wanted to clarify that the unemployed in PA must apply for 4-5 jobs per week.

[SeaStarGrace]

I wanted to clarify that the unemployed in PA must apply for 4-5 jobs per week.

[noneleft2use]

At 58, I can relate. I absolutely agree about the EEOC. Now to convince someone to actually DO it. The only people for whom it is a priority are those affected. The rest of the population could care less; they have their own (specific) gripes. There should be huge class action lawsuits against repetitive abuse of this type. Meanwhile, I'm fairly convinced that some kind of business that can be done from home may be best viable option. Then one needs to be able to afford health insurance. I never expected to "feel" old at 58. Find yourself unemployed at this age, and believe me, it begins to make you feel old before your time.

[mnbrant]

I think its great. I got offered a job by a jeweler that said he couldnt offer pay right away back in high school and had I took the job. I probably could have made alot more than I do now.

[smirk5]

Why don't the job creators hire people and pay for the training time themselves? That would save the taxpayer money and it's a patriotic thing to do.

[smirk5]

This program is a handout to corporations. They get out of paid training time and the taxpayer picks up the cost.

[Fed-Up_Patriot]

Exactly what I was thinking.. More corporate welfare.. However compared to the government constantly turning a blind eye to these same companiss hiring illegals and H1B's this has long term benefits for the citizens of this country... So its a lesser of 2 evils kind of thing.