US Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $2.6 million to assist workers in Minnesota affected by airline industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,635,901 grant to assist about 613 workers affected by layoffs at Northwest Airlines in Eagan, Minn.

"Workers deserve an opportunity to pursue training and employment services after losing a job through no fault of their own," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant will help Minnesotans impacted by airline industry layoffs to find good jobs in emerging industries, and it will bolster both the state and national economy."

Awarded to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, this grant will be operated by Dakota-Scott Workforce Services. The grant will provide affected workers with access to dislocated worker services. These services may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

On Jan. 31, 2010, a merger was completed between Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines. Prior to the merger, Northwest employed about 11,500 workers in Minnesota. Delta recently announced layoffs as a result of the consolidation of business operations.

This grant 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 labo'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/.