Georgia 
 
Department of Labor 
 
NEWS RELEASE 
 
SUITE 642 
 
 
 
(404) 232-3685 
 
148 INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD, N.E. 
 
 
 
ATLANTA, GA 30303-1751 
 
 
 
FAX (404) 657-9996 
 
 Communications@dol.state.ga.us 
 
Michael Thurmond 
Commissioner 
 
Sam Hall 
Director of Communications 
 
Nov. 1, 2006.............................................................FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
Thurmond helping laid-off workers at Swift-Galey in Columbus 
 
ATLANTA  State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the Georgia Department of Labor is providing assistance to about 800 laid-off workers who have lost their jobs at the Swift-Galey plant in Muscogee County. The company's last day of operation was Oct. 30. 
"I want workers at the Swift-Galey plant in Columbus to know that they are not alone in dealing with their problem," Commissioner Thurmond said. "We are prepared to assist them." 
Labor department staff has already begun providing services to the laid-off workers. These services include on-site employee information sessions, filing of unemployment compensation claims, job-search assistance and informing the workers on retraining and career options, resume writing and interviewing skills and other resources available through the labor department's career centers. 
As a part of the effort to help Swift-Galey and other idled workers become reemployed, the Georgia Department of Labor will co-sponsor the 2006 River Valley Job Fair and Career Expo on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 2-7 p.m. at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center, 801 Front Ave., South Hall. More than 100 employers are expected to participate in the event. 
Some job seekers may also be eligible for occupational/skills training, on-the-job training, General Education Development (GED) preparation and testing, and supportive services such as child-care assistance, transportation assistance and meals while enrolled in full-time training. 
Commissioner Thurmond said the Georgia Department of Labor will support reconsideration of Swift-Galey's Trade Act Assistance (TAA) petition by the U.S. Department of Labor. Approval of the TAA petition would mean that unemployment insurance benefits may be available for up to 130 weeks for individuals who qualify to enroll in education or training programs approved by the Georgia Department of Labor. 
The Muscogee County area is served by the Georgia Department of Labor's Columbus Career Center at 700 Veterans Parkway in Columbus. The telephone number is (706) 649-7423. However, effected workers may get assistance from any of the department's 53 career centers statewide. 
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685 
CY-06-483