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OPA News Release:

Massachusetts Supermarket Closure Leaves Workers Unemployed Labor Department To Provide National Emergency Grant For Re-employment Services

WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced today the allocation of a $1,081,753 National Emergency Grant to aid workers dislocated as a result of the closure of Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc., Distribution Center in East Bridgewater, Mass.

“The administration is working to get America’s workforce back on track,” Chao said. “These National Emergency Grants get the services and skills training to the people who need it the most. This money will enable the state of Massachusetts to help all workers dislocated as a result of the Shaw closure find re-employment as quickly as possible.”

The National Emergency Grant will provide re-employment assistance for approximately 185 workers. CareerWorks, the One-Stop career center operator will administer the National Emergency Grant money. It will supplement existing re-employment programs offered by the state.Services include: outreach and recruitment, job development, job search assistance, basic skills training, literacy training and job placement.

National Emergency Grants constitute a major part of President Bush’s Back-to-Work package. If passed by the Senate, the president’s package will assist economy recover by providing increased assistance to dislocated workers, including assistance with private health insurance continuation coverage.

For more information, please go to www.dol.gov.

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