US Department of Labor announces $3.3 million grant to assist workers in Massachusetts affected by layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $3,319,718 grant to assist approximately 600 workers affected by layoffs at nine companies in Massachusetts' information, manufacturing, retail and transportation industries.

"This grant will ensure that affected workers across Massachusetts have access to high-quality re-training and re-employment services, which are crucial both to shaping the future career success of individuals and to spurring the state's growing industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, this grant will be operated by Employment and Training Resources. The grant will provide the impacted workers with access to dislocated worker services, which may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

Workers covered under the grant were laid off between November 2008 and October 2009 from the following nine companies in the Metro South/West region of Massachusetts: ACT Electronics Inc., Altus Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bose Corp., DHL, EMC Corp., Sepracor Inc., Snap-on Inc., Staples Inc. and Taylor Corp.

Of the $3,319,718 announced today, $1,906,964 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

The amount released today will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

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/.