Tennessee Awarded National Emergency Grant for Goodyear Workers
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 | 06:23am
More Than $3.4 Million Awarded for Reemployment Services
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis is announcing a $3,448,259 National Emergency Grant to serve about 850 of the 1,983 total workers affected by the closure of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company located in Union City, Tennessee. The grant will be used toward skills training and reemployment services for displaced workers.
Goodyear workers were approved in April for assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program for companies affected by foreign trade. TAA offers a variety of benefits and services to support workers in their search for reemployment including job training, job search and relocation allowances, income support, and assistance with healthcare premium costs.
“Clearly this grant is great news for the displaced workers at Goodyear,” said Commissioner Davis. “With the dual support provided under Trade Adjustment Assistance and this National Emergency Grant, these individuals will have a full range of assistance in order to get back to work.”
Services are provided through the Tennessee Career Center system. All workers covered in the grant are eligible to receive services including job placement, career counseling, and remedial training in an adult education classroom. Occupational skills training can also be approved based on a client’s interests and the likelihood of training leading to employment.
Seventy of the 850 affected workers were leased workers from Hamilton Ryker, located in Martin, Tennessee. Hamilton Ryker, a provider of consulting, human resources, and management services, provided staffing to the Goodyear facility, such as administrative support, lab technicians, tire processors, as well as some professional personnel.
Spouses of affected workers may also take advantage of the services provided under the National Emergency Grant.
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