| Hartford, CT – State Senator
John A. Kissel (R-7) contacted Department of Labor Commissioner
Patricia Mayfield today to begin work on providing aid
and employment services to the 136 workers expected to
lose their jobs when MeadWestvaco Corporation closes its
Enfield manufacturing plant in March.
Senator Kissel requested that the Department of Labor
immediately dispatch its Rapid Response Team to Enfield
to educate the workers about job search assistance,
unemployment benefits and training opportunities. Commissioner
Mayfield said she will deploy the Rapid Response Team
on February 3rd.
“Losing a job, especially during these tough
economic times, is going to be a difficult challenge
for these families,” said Senator Kissel.
“I am pleased that the State Department of Labor
is acting with a sense of urgency to help the workers
who will be affected by this plant closing. It is extremely
important that local and state officials work together
help re-locate these workers as soon as possible.”
Commissioner Mayfield also said that the workers are
likely to be eligible for extended unemployment benefits
under the rules of the Federal Trade Act because it
appears the Enfield plant is closing due to international
competition.
The Department of Labor is making its Enfield office
available to the workers to conduct job searches, make
phone calls and receive other services.
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