US Department of Labor announces $186,000 grant to assist Michigan workers affected by layoffs in communication industry

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a grant of $186,000 to assist about 40 workers affected by layoffs from CCI Systems Inc. in Iron Mountain, Mich. Layoffs at this facility, which provides design, engineering, and implementation services for communication network equipment, occurred from August 2010 through August 2011.

"Former workers of CCI Systems in rural northwest Michigan face significant obstacles to finding good jobs in the region," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates. "This grant is designed to provide services for affected workers that will help them find new jobs or establish sustainable self-employment."

Awarded to the Michigan Strategic Fund, this National Emergency Grant will provide assistance to dislocated workers in conjunction with services they will receive under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. The goal is to assist workers by providing the training and support necessary to find gainful new employment within their state.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.