August 20, 2004 .......................................................................... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Labor department will help laid-off workers at Federal-Mogul in LaGrange
ATLANTA State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the Georgia Department of Labor will provide assistance to employees expected to lose their jobs at FederalMogul in Troup County.
Company officials have notified the labor department that the company plans to close its piston assembly facility in LaGrange on Oct. 17. The company anticipates a total loss of 190 jobs.
"The plant closure at Federal-Mogul creates a difficult situation for the workers and their families and for the LaGrange and Troup County communities," said Thurmond. "I want them to know that they are not alone in dealing with the problem. We are prepared to assist them.
"Our staff is working with the employer and the community as the layoffs occur to determine how we can best assist the affected employees," the commissioner continued. "We will help the employees file claims for unemployment insurance and give them access to services designed to get them back to work as quickly as possible. We will also assist workers who need additional skills to find appropriate training. And, we have an ideal program at the Georgia Department of Labor that helps laid-off workers who are drawing unemployment insurance benefits transition into new jobs. It's called Georgia Works."
The Georgia Department of Labor conducts job search workshops, career counseling, and provides resource centers in each office. Some job seekers may also be eligible for occupational/skills training, on-the-job training, GED preparation and testing, and supportive services such as child-care assistance, transportation assistance and meals while enrolled in fulltime school training. The area is served by the Georgia Department of Labor's LaGrange Career Center at 1002 Longley Place in LaGrange. The telephone number is (706) 845-4000.
The career center provides job seekers and employers with a wealth of new information and resource services, modern technology, and a customer-focused, state-of-the-art business environment. The Georgia Department of Labor has enhanced its services to customers with the development of a new and improved web site. The on-line resource gives information on the various services and programs operated by the labor department and other Georgia workforce partners. Additionally, the web site helps equip workers and new entrants into the job market with the tools and information needed to evaluate career options, prepare for work, and find the right job. It also provides employers with an abundance of workforce-related information. The site may be accessed at www.dol.state.ga.us.
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685. FY-04-550