US Department of Labor announces grant increment of $633,000 to aid Missouri workers impacted by automotive industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $633,085 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to Missouri to continue providing services to workers affected by layoffs in the state's automotive industry.

"Missouri's auto workers who have been laid off need and deserve job placement, training and other services that will help them gain employment in other industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant will provide that assistance."

On Feb. 23, 2008, a grant was awarded in the amount of $1,730,321, with $958,608 released initially, to serve about 506 workers affected by automotive industry layoffs at Chrysler LLC, Integram St. Louis Seating and Yuhshin USA Ltd., also doing business as Ortech. A second increment in the amount of $771,713 was awarded on May 6, 2009. Subsequent modifications raised the number of people covered by this grant to 1,926.

This supplemental grant, awarded to the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, will continue the delivery of re-employment assistance to the same 1,926 workers and provide services to an additional 418 workers, serving 2,344 workers in total.

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/.