ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 17, 1997 TAG: 9704170010
SECTION: AT WORK PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: unclassified
Wanted: 20 garment workers for busy uniform factory.
Maid Bess Corp. of Salem is hiring full-time sewing machine operators and will train those without experience. The full-time jobs are for people who don't mind an early start - 7 a.m. Workers punch out about 4:15 p.m., except on Fridays, when they quit at noon to keep the work week at 40 hours.
Applicants must be good with their hands. To pass the company's dexterity test, a person must run a nonmotorized sewing machine according to instructions. But don't worry about goofing up pieces for a new uniform if you don't sew. Test-takers run paper through the machine, which isn't loaded with thread.
Maid Bess employees sew work uniforms, with some workers assigned to attaching collars, others to closing pant legs, and so on. The plant is air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter and serves hot food in its cafeteria.
Workers sit in office-type padded, adjustable chairs, take two paid breaks and listen to a radio station that plays soft rock and pop.
* Pay: $8.65 per hour for workers who attach collars, sleeves and pockets; $7.70 per hour for workers who hem garments, close inseams and attach labels; and $6 per hour for sewing machine trainees.
* Benefits: Medical, disability and life insurance, retirement savings plan, paid time off, training bonuses.
* Qualifications: Experience in operating a sewing machine or ability to learn to sew; applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
* The grind: Repetitive, tedious work.
* The perks: Employees enjoy an annual summer picnic or day trip at company expense. Also, people of many nationalities and ethnic groups work in the factory, which holds an annual diversity celebration.
Contact: Linda Hodges, personnel director, Maid Bess Corp., 865 Cleveland Ave., Salem 24153, (540) 389-8113.
LENGTH: Short : 43 linesby CNB