US Department of Labor announces more than $573,000 to assist workers in Iowa affected by manufacturing industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $573,416 grant to assist about 183 workers affected by layoffs at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Dubuque, Iowa.

"Iowa has been hard hit by the recession, and I am committed to doing everything possible to help transition impacted workers across the state into better and permanent jobs," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The grant announced today will help these Iowans gain skills and abilities, which will allow them to compete for and find good jobs in new and emerging industries."

Awarded to Iowa Workforce Development, this grant will be operated by the East Central Intergovernmental Association. The grant will provide these dislocated workers, all of whom are also certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance, with access to "wrap-around" and supportive services, such as dependent care and transportation assistance, which are not available through the TAA program.

Thermo Fisher Scientific issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice on Dec. 18, 2009, to announce phased layoffs. The layoffs began on Feb. 8, 2010, and will continue through September 2010, when the plant will be permanently closed.

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 www.doleta.gov/NEG/.