Additional aid available for dislocated workers

More than $3.4 million in additional assistance has been made available for over 1,200 dislocated workers formerly employed by 11 Bay Area manufacturers, including Genmar Yacht Group, Marinette Marine, Kohler, JL French, and the Manitowoc Company.

The National Emergency Grant (NEG) includes over $1.6 million in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The more than 1,200 workers were affected by multiple layoffs at JL French, Sheboygan; Genmar Yacht Group (Carver Boats), Pulaski; Koenig and Vits, Manitowoc; Marinette Marine, Marinette; Kohler, Sheboygan; Pentair Filtration, Sheboygan; Manitowoc Company, Manitowoc; Federal Mogul, Manitowoc; Karl Schmidt Unisia, Marinette; KCS International (Cruisers), Oconto and Winsert, Marinette.

The National Emergency Grant (NEG) program provides funding to states when significant events create a sudden need for assistance.

Services are being coordinated by the Department of Workforce Development and provided through the Bay Area Workforce Development Board. The effort also will involve the AFL-CIO Labor Education and Training Center in providing services. NEG funding is being coordinated with resources available through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. The project commits significant resources to occupational retraining.

Supportive services include travel payments, childcare and other training related expenses. Workers with skills in demand are being assisted in job search activities including workshops on resumes, interviewing and analysis of transferable skills. Those determined to need skill development to find suitable employment will have a variety of training options to select from.

All affected workers should contact their local Job Center to inquire about services by visiting www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory or toll free at 888-258-9966.