The U.S. Department of Labor is releasing a $868,974 National Emergency Grant increment to offer extended employment-related services to approximately 400 workers impacted after the closure of the Sonoco Packaging Products in Devens, Mass., as well as related layoffs by Debbie's Staffing in Ayer, Mass., which supplied temporary workers to the Sonoco packaging center.
"The additional federal funds announced today will ensure that these dislocated workers continue to receive job training and re-employment assistance, so they may obtain jobs in growing local industries," says Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.
The Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development was given this grant increment, which will provide more funding for "wrap-around" and supportive services along with Trade Adjustment Assistance. Initially, $701,933 of $1,570,907 was given in March 2011. The most recent increment now finishes the total amount of funding awarded.
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Proctor & Gamble announced in August 2008 that the Sonoco center would be shut down by the end of December 2010 because of growing labor costs, and it would move packaging operations managed by the center to Mexico and Poland.
National Emergency Grants are included in the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are distributed on a state's ability to meet certain guidelines.
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