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ETA News Release: [09/20/2007]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Jennifer Coxe
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 07-1447-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces more than $1 million in assistance to help dislocated workers in Missouri

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a grant of $1,098,450, with an initial release of $499,304, to assist approximately 310 workers dislocated as a result of the permanent closure of the O'Sullivan Industries plant located in Lamar, Mo.

"This nearly $1.1 million grant will help Missouri workers access employment services to help them find new jobs in high growth industries," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

On April 16, O'Sullivan Industries issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification announcing that the company would begin layoffs on July 20. The state held several Rapid Response sessions from May 14 to 17 to inform affected workers of the services available to them through the public workforce investment system.

All of the affected workers at the Lamar plant also have been certified by the Labor Department's Employment and Training Administration as eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). The grant, awarded to the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, will provide services not covered under the TAA program. Services may include career counseling, skills assessment and job placement 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 on National Emergency Grants, please visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.