US Department of Labor provides supplemental grant to aid former auto manufacturing workers in California

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $5,990,725 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to continue re-employment services for more than 4,800 workers directly affected by the closure of New United Motors Manufacturing Inc. in Fremont, Calif., and 39 suppliers affected by the closure of NUMMI's plant.

"In today's competitive economy, it is crucial for displaced workers to obtain in-demand job skills," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The additional federal funding announced today ensures that workers impacted by the NUMMI closure will have access to job training and placement services to help qualify them for and connect them with jobs in growing local industries."

The grant, awarded to the California Employment Development Department, will provide training and support services to help these workers prepare for and obtain new jobs in their state. Some will receive assistance under the grant in conjunction with other services provided in the form of Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits.

An initial grant award of up to $19,042,012 to assist this group of workers was approved by the Labor Department, with $11,082,639 released, in June 2010. A second increment of $7,959,373, the balance of the original award, was released a year later. Today supplemental grant brings total funding to date to $25,032,737.

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/.