Contacts: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
John Dipko, Department of Workforce Development, 608-266-6753
Services for Displaced Workers in Door, Manitowoc, Marinette, Oconto, Shawano, Sheboygan Counties
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle announced today more than $1.75 million in additional assistance 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 Recovery Act funding announced today is the second and final portion of a $3.4 million National Emergency Grant announced last August.
“This is good news for working families hit hard by the national recession,” Governor Doyle said. “This grant will help these workers improve their skills and be job-ready as the economy recovers. I will continue to do everything in my power to assist these workers, their families and communities.”
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, child care 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.
Earlier this year, Governor Doyle announced the receipt of more than $13.6 million to serve 2,817 workers displaced by multiple layoffs and plant closings at 68 companies. Last year, the Governor announced the state received $4 million to provide additional assistance to dislocated workers through the state’s 11 workforce development boards.
Since taking office, Governor Doyle has worked hard to build Wisconsin’s economy and create new jobs, including this month’s signing of the Wisconsin CORE Jobs Act, which builds on successful manufacturing and worker training programs. The budget the Governor signed last year enacted the most powerful economic development tools in the country to help manufacturers create and retain jobs. The Governor’s Administration has also helped workers struggling because of the national recession by providing unemployment assistance and training, health care and food assistance.
Governor Doyle encourages all affected workers to contact their local Job Center to inquire about services by visiting http://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory or toll free at 888-258-9966.
