Landrieu Announces $2M Assistance for GM Workers in Shrevepor

Press Release

U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor will assist as many as 450 workers facing layoffs from the closure of the General Motors assembly plant in Shreveport, La., through a $2 million National Emergency Grant (NEG). NEGs provide resources to states and local workforce investment boards to quickly re-employ laid-off workers by offering training to increase occupational skills.

"The closure in Shreveport is a terrible blow for the Louisianians who are losing their jobs through no fault of their own," Sen. Landrieu said. "I am pleased that these hard-working Louisianians will now be eligible for job training and re-employment services, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that Louisiana remains a thriving economic center."

Awarded to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the funds will provide help to the workers in conjunction with services they will receive in the form of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) benefits. The TAA Program was established by the Trade Act of 1974 to assist employees who lose their jobs - or who face a reduction in hours or wages - due to increased imports.

The city of Shreveport is responsible for managing re-employment activities under the grant, including career counseling, job search assistance, training and support services.

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