Workers affected by layoffs in Milwaukee area to receive support
for re-employment services from $1.5M US Labor Department grant

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,510,320 grant to assist approximately 310 workers affected by layoffs at nine companies in the Milwaukee area.

"Many of those laid off were longtime employees of their companies, and they now face the challenge of finding a job comparable to the one they lost," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. "This National Emergency Grant will provide them with opportunities for re-training and employment services that are crucial to helping them get back to work quickly."

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the grant recipient, will collaborate with the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board's HIRE Center to manage the provision of re-employment services to the affected workers, including: career counseling; job search assistance; training and supportive services, such as child care and transportation. Some of the affected workers, whose layoffs were the result of foreign trade, will also receive services through the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. The full array of employment-related services allowable under a NEG will be available to the workers not eligible for TAA.

The layoffs began in May 2013 and will continue through April 2014. The workers receiving re-employment services funded by this National Emergency Grant award were employed by one of the following companies: C&D Technologies Inc.; Caterpillar Global Mining LLC; Deaconess Home Health Inc.; FIS; Joy Global Inc.; Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation; Kohl's Department Stores Inc.; Rock-Tenn Co.; and the Social Development Commission.

Of the funding announced today, $850,680 will be released initially. Additional funding, up to the amount approved, will be made available as the state 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.