News Release

Printer-Friendly Version

ETA News Release: [08/04/2008]
Contact Name: Terry Shawn or Jennifer Kaplan
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x5052
Release Number: 08-1125-BOS

U.S. Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $758,000 to assist trade-affected workers in Massachusetts

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $758,714 grant to assist approximately 170 workers affected by ongoing layoffs at the Alcatel-Lucent plant in North Andover, Mass.

"This grant will provide these workers with access to services to help them return to work as quickly as possible," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell.

Today's grant, awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, will provide Alcatel-Lucent workers with full access to dislocated worker services not available through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. These services include skills assessment, counseling, case management and job search assistance.

On Dec. 10, 2007, Alcatel-Lucent workers were certified by the Labor Department as eligible for TAA. The plant is scheduled to close on Dec. 31, 2008.

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 www.doleta.gov/NEG.