Lansing, MI - The Michigan Jobs Commission announced that it would be sending a Rapid Response Team to Detroit next week to help with the over 1,300 employees that will be dislocated by the closure of the Thorn Apple Valley pork processing plant in Detroit.
The Rapid Response team will meet with both company and union officials to discuss options for the dislocated employees. Employees may be able to receive basic readjustment services, skill training and information on how to apply for unemployment insurance through their local Michigan Works! office, the City of Detroit Employment and Training Department.
"The news of a plant closing is never good news, particularly for the employees that work there, but by pulling together the resources of the state, the city, the Unemployment Insurance Agency and the local Michigan Works! Agency, the best services will be available to Thorn Apple Valley Employees," said Doug Rothwell, CEO and department director of the Michigan Jobs Commission. "By acting quickly and making sure that employees are aware of their options, we will work to help employees make a smooth transition into another job."
At the initial meeting of the Rapid Response Team, a plan is developed to deliver services to meet the specific needs of workers. Services can range from career counseling, stress management and resume writing to on-the-job training, classroom training, and job placement assistance. In addition, the Rapid Response Team also works to establish a joint labor-management committee to oversee activities or to assist the company in seeking alternatives to layoffs or closing.
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
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