US Department of Labor awards more than $992,000 to assist about 180 Massachusetts workers affected by the closure of Solo Cup

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $992,586 grant to assist about 180 workers affected by the closure of Solo Cup in North Andover, Mass.

"This federal grant will give former Solo Cup workers in Massachusetts access to re-training and re-employment services to speed their transition to new jobs in growing local industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "As our economy continues to recover, federal grants such as this one provide crucial support to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own."

The funds are being awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development. They will be used to continue assisting workers, many of whom also are certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance, by providing supportive services not available through the TAA program. Those workers in the group who are not TAA-eligible will have access to a broader array of training and employment-related services under this grant.

Layoffs at Solo Cup began on Oct. 1, 2010, and continued through July 29, 2011, when the plant closed.

The grant is being awarded by the Labor Department to the commonwealth of Massachusetts, with $646,055 of the total amount released initially. Additional funding will be made available as the commonwealth 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/.