US Department of Labor provides $1.3 million increment to continue aid for Massachusetts workers affected by layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a $1,263,339 National Emergency Grant increment to continue employment-related services for more than 360 workers affected by layoffs in the commonwealth of Massachusetts from 12 companies, four of which provided staffing to the other eight.

The companies are Biogen Idec, Commercial Sheet Metal, Covidien, EDO Fiber Innovations/ITT Corp., Henkel Corp., International Power America, Reveal Imaging Technologies Inc., Unilever-Breyers Ice Cream and the staffing businesses – Aerotek, Kelly Services, Randstad and Total Technical Services.

"For our nation to sustain a growing economy that creates good, middle class jobs, we must provide access to the training that today's jobs require," said acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris. "This Labor Department funding will allow eligible Massachusetts workers to receive critical services that will help them get back to work, supporting their families and their communities."

Awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, this funding will make possible the continuation of training and re-employment services for affected workers. Those who are also eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits will receive services under the grant that are not provided by TAA. Those who are not eligible for TAA will receive the full array of services eligible under this grant.

On Nov. 16, 2011, the Labor Department approved a grant for up to $2,261,417, with $998,078 released initially, to serve more than one-third of 975 workers affected by layoffs at the 12 companies. This latest funding of $1,263,339 represents the balance of the initial award.

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. More information on these grants is available at http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.