US Department of Labor awards grant increment to assist Massachusetts workers affected by closure of Solo Cup

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a $346,531 National Emergency Grant increment to continue employment-related services to about 180 workers affected by the closure of Solo Cup in North Andover, Mass.

"These former workers continue to face challenges in finding jobs in an area where the unemployment rate is higher than most areas in the commonwealth," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Eric Seleznow. "The Labor Department's additional funding will help these workers in their ongoing efforts to find employment."

Awarded to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the increment will provide assistance to these workers in conjunction with the services they are receiving based on eligibility for Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits. This grant and the TAA program will assist these individuals with training and support services that will enable them to successfully find reemployment.

On Dec. 20, 2011, the department approved a grant for up to $992,586, with $646,055 released initially. This grant increment represents the balance of the approved grant.

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/.