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
August 15, 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thurmond vows to help laid-off workers at Shaw Industries
ATLANTA State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the Georgia Department of Labor will provide assistance to employees expected to lose their jobs with Shaw Industries in Tift County.
Officials of Shaw Industries have notified the labor department that the company plans to immediately begin preparing to close its plant at 83 Vernon Drive in Tifton. The company anticipates a total loss of 228 jobs. The company says the employees will remain employed for about 60 days.
"The layoffs at Shaw Industries will not only create difficult situations for the workers and their families, but also will have an economic impact on the Tift County area," said Commissioner Thurmond. "I want the people of Shaw Industries to know that they are not alone in dealing with the problem. We are prepared to assist them."
Staff members of the Georgia Department of Labor will meet with Shaw management to discuss options for laid-off workers, including: on-site employee information sessions, unemployment compensation, job-search services, retraining options, resources of the labor department's career centers, on-site services, surveys of workers to determine needs, special workshops on career options, resume writing and interviewing skills, and filing a trade petition for expanded services.
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, General Education Development (GED) preparation and testing, and supportive services such as child-care assistance, transportation assistance and meals while enrolled in full-time school training.
The Tift County area is served by the Georgia Department of Labor's Tifton Career Center, located at 310 South Tift Avenue. The telephone number is (229) 386-3322. However, effected workers may get assistance from any of the department's 53 career centers statewide. A complete listing of the department's career centers is available at www.dol.state.ga.us.
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685
CY-06-332