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ETA News Release: [06/17/2008]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Terry Shawn
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 08-814-ATL

U.S. Department of Labor announces grant of more than $2.4 million to assist North Carolina workers dislocated from the auto industry

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,430,000 grant to the state of North Carolina to assist auto workers affected by permanent closures and layoffs. Many of the workers also have been previously certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).

"This $2.4 million grant will provide these North Carolina workers with important reemployment services to help them find and succeed in new jobs," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The grant, awarded to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, will provide workers with services not covered under the TAA program, including skills assessment, career counseling and case management. Services and benefits available to these workers under TAA may include training, job search allowances, relocation allowances and a health coverage tax credit, among others.

On April 2, Jevic Transportation issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) announcing it would close permanently, causing the dislocation of approximately 120 workers. On April 7, the Freightliner Trucks Division of Daimler Trucks North American LLC issued a WARN announcing that it would lay off approximately 1,500 workers. On May 12, all of the impacted Freightliner employees were certified as eligible for the TAA program.

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.