US Department of Labor announces $6.3 million grant to assist workers in Iowa affected by food industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $6,255,784 grant to assist about 800 workers affected by layoffs at John Morrell and Co. as well as four secondarily-affected companies, all located in Sioux City, Iowa.

"Today's grant will help Iowans receive the re-training and re-employment skills necessary to find new jobs in emerging industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Awarded to Iowa Workforce Development, this grant will be operated by the Community Action Agency of Siouxland and Job Training Partners. 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.

An Iowa Workforce Development analysis indicates possible future job vacancies in the wind energy, alternative energy and food processing industries.

On Jan. 19, Smithfield Foods Inc. issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice announcing the permanent closure of its John Morrell pork processing plant in Sioux City. Operations closed on April 9.

Of the $6,255,784 announced today, $3,703,681 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

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/.