With continuing coverage: Last month Caterpillar announced its plan to lay off thousands of employees globally.
With the plan in full force, Peoria and local surrounding areas are starting to feel the heat.
Over 2,000 Caterpillar employees accepted an early retirement package. Over half of those that did are in central Illinois. Those who did not accept the retirement plan still have their jobs on the line.
In East Peoria plants, more than 230 people have been laid off in October.
In worst case scenarios, workers are now being escorted out of the building with no notice.
As of now, no union workers have recently been laid off.
What this means for Bradley graduates this December and May is a different job market.
Many students that planned to take their talents to Caterpillar may need to apply elsewhere in the changing market.