Rapid response activities must include:
(a) On-site contact with the employer, representatives of the
affected workers, and the local community, which may include an
assessment of the:
(1) Layoff plans and schedule of the employer;
(2) Potential for averting the layoff(s) in consultation with State
or local economic development agencies, including private sector
economic development entities;
(3) Background and probable assistance needs of the affected
workers;
(4) Reemployment prospects for workers in the local community; and
(5) Available resources to meet the short and long-term assistance
needs of the affected workers;
(b) The provision of information and access to unemployment
compensation benefits, comprehensive One-Stop system services, and
employment and training activities, including information on the Trade
Adjustment Assistance program and the NAFTA-TAA program;
(c) The provision of guidance and/or financial assistance in
establishing a labor-management committee voluntarily agreed to by
labor and management, or a workforce transition committee comprised of
representatives of the employer, the affected workers and the local
community. The committee may devise and oversee an implementation
strategy that responds to the reemployment needs of the workers. The
assistance to this committee may include:
(1) The provision of training and technical assistance to members
of the committee;
(2) Funding the operating costs of a committee to enable it to
provide advice and assistance in carrying out rapid response activities
and in the design and delivery of WIA-authorized services to affected
workers. Typically, such support will last no longer than six months;
and
(3) Providing a list of potential candidates to serve as a neutral
chairperson of the committee.
(d) The provision of emergency assistance adapted to the particular
closing, layoff or disaster.
(e) The provision of assistance to the local board and chief
elected official(s) to develop a coordinated response to the
dislocation event and, as needed, obtain access to State economic
development assistance. Such coordinated response may include the
development of an application for National Emergency Grant under 20 CFR
part 671. (WIA secs. 101(38) and 134(a)(2)(A).)
