U.S. Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $8 million to assist workers in Ohio affected by recent automobile industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an $8,342,254 grant to assist approximately 2,428 workers affected by layoffs at the General Motors Corp. truck assembly plant in Moraine, the Chrysler north assembly plant in Toledo, the GM Lordstown plant in Warren and 12 other supplier companies located in Ohio.

"Ohio recently has experienced significant dislocations in the automotive industry," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will provide core, intensive and supportive training services to the affected workers to help prepare them for new jobs in other fields."

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will receive the grant, which will provide affected workers with access to dislocated worker services. Under this grant, workers who also have been certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) will be provided services not available through the TAA program, including assessment, counseling, case-management, job search, job placement and follow-up services.

GM announced in July 2008 that it was eliminating the second shift at the GM truck assembly plant in Moraine. In October 2008, GM announced that the truck assembly plant would close in December 2008. Additional layoffs were announced and occurred in December 2008 at the Chrysler north assembly plant and the GM Lordstown plant. These closures and shift eliminations caused a ripple effect through 12 supplier companies, contributing to their downsizing.

Of the $8,342,254 announced today, $5,074,749 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance. This arrangement will provide the state with some flexibility to serve additional workers in the future that may be laid off from these companies.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.