CANDLER, GA (WPI) – Billions of candles could be unemployed if a new Vector Manufacturing initiative takes hold, union officials said Wednesday. The company counters that the changes are necessary to keep portable lighting competitive and efficient in the new global economy.

At the heart of the controversy is the Vector VEC138BW Halogen Spotlight, a low-cost, portable light that shines with the power of an estimated 2 million candles.

“Each spotlight takes away jobs from 2 million hardworking American candles,” says Vela Bougie, an official with the United Union of Candles United. “A tidal wave of despair, poverty, and suicide will sweep the candle community, while Vector’s fat-cat executives will pull in untold profits.”

Vector insisted that traditional candle-powered lighting could not withstand a flood of low-cost Chinese lighting alternatives. “Our hearts go out to each and every candle affected by the VEC138BW,” said Vector spokesman Dick Hurenbock. “But we’re confident that its compact size, brilliant illumination, built-in utility light, and cordless-or-corded option will raise the standard of lighting for all Americans.

“The alternative is to literally return to the dark ages.”

But while Bougie promises further resistance from the UUCU, she admitted that the union was in a tough position. “We’re seeing a lot of our members throwing up their hands, like there’s nothing they can do,” she says. “Some of them are already taking side jobs at birthday parties and church services. Last week we held a candlelight vigil to try to save our jobs, but only a few hundred candles showed up. It was pretty embarrassing, considering.”

Back to top