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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202-219-6871
A federal grant for $14.5 million will assist more than
6,000 workers expected to lose their jobs as a result of the impending closure
of Kelly Air Force Base, the Clinton Administration announced today.
"I am pleased that my Administration can offer assistance
to the workers of Kelly Air Force Base who have nobly served their country,"
said President Clinton. "We must maintain the vitality and productivity of our
most important assets -- our nation's workers."
Closing of the San Antonio base in September 2001 follows
recommendations of the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. Of the
13,465 workers affected, 6,000 civilian employees are expected to be out of
work within the next two years.
"The closing of military bases across the country is a
painful but necessary realignment for America," said Secretary of Labor Robert
B. Reich. "These are workers who have already demonstrated their capabilities
and dedication. It is in our best interest to see that they make a rapid
transition to the civilian workforce."
"These grant dollars show our commitment to help workers
make the transition to new jobs as we privatize work at Kelly. This tremendous
support from the Department of Labor will advance our privatization efforts,"
said Defense Secretary William J. Perry.
The base will be closed in increments during the next five
years. The 6000 employees eligible for this grant are aircraft maintenance
workers whose jobs will be phased out in January 1998. As further layoffs are
announced, the remaining workers will also be eligible for reemployment
assistance.
It is expected that approximately 3,000 individuals will be
retrained to receive their Federal Aviation Administration certification for
commercial aircraft repair. This is a key element in efforts by the Defense
Department, the City of San Antonio and the State of Texas to privatize as many
functions as possible in order to reduce the economic hardship on the
community.
The grant will allow workers to begin receiving job
assistance immediately, rather than waiting until they lose their jobs.
Services to be provided include career assessment, job search assistance,
remedial education, vocational and classroom training, on-the-job training, and
supportive services such as transportation and child care assistance, emergency
medical services and needs-related payments.
Training will also be provided in specific fields such as
computer-related occupations, electricians, health-related occupations,
machinists and secretarial positions.
Of the $14.5 million, about $10.9 will be made available
immediately to the State of Texas; the remainder of funds will follow within 90
days, provided the Labor Department is satisfied with the state's
implementation of the program.
The dislocated worker program is a comprehensive retraining
approach to assist workers who have been, or are about to be, laid off for
reasons such as technological change, foreign competition or government
actions. In general, such workers are eligible if they are unlikely to return
to their previous industry or occupation. The program operates under the Job
Training Partnership Act of 1982.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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