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| Thursday, February 18, 1999 Governor Tommy G. Thompson Secretary Linda Stewart | News Media Contact DWD News Office 608/267-4400 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784 |
For more information contact:
Tony Hozeny, Commerce Department, 608/267-9661
Dan Bond, Workforce Development, 608/266-0745
Two state agencies vow prompt
assistance in plant closing
Madison, Wis. – Two state agencies announced today they are working closely together to assist those affected by the Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp. decision to close its plant in West Allis later this year.
State Department of Commerce Secretary Brenda J. Blanchard and Linda Stewart, State Department of Workforce Development Secretary, said both agencies already have begun working closely with West Allis officials to discuss the company’s future plans and plan the state’s response.
"We stand ready to assist the community in its job retention efforts," Blanchard and Stewart said in the joint announcement.
Siemens Westinghouse announced Wednesday it will close its S. 70th St. plant by the end of the year. About 800 workers are expected to lose their jobs, of which about 500 are white-collar workers and the rest hourly workers, according to the announcement.
Initial actions already taken by the state agencies include these:
- A meeting is scheduled by Workforce Development officials Friday with the company and union to begin the process of providing assistance to the workers who will be losing their jobs.
- Department of Commerce officials are planning to meet with the community next week for further discussions on its options.
- The company and union will be encouraged to file petitions under two federal assistance programs so that the U.S. Labor Department can decide if the layoffs are due to foreign imports or shifts in production to Mexico or Canada. If the workers are certified eligible for these programs, they will be eligible for additional benefits.
- Orientation sessions will be scheduled for the workers losing jobs so that they can receive information on dislocated-worker assistance that may be available to them. They also will be surveyed to determine their employment interests and needs. Unemployment insurance officials in the Workforce Development Department will take part in any dislocated-worker presentations.
Additional ways to support those affected by the closing will be considered as developments warrant, both officials said.
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