News release, Mar. 2, 2007D

March 2, 2007 ............................................................................. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Labor department will help laid-off workers at Delphi Automotive Systems in Fitzgerald
ATLANTA State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the Georgia Department of Labor will provide assistance to employees who lose their jobs at Delphi Automotive Systems in Fitzgerald.
Officials of Delphi Automotive Systems have notified the state labor department that they plan a significant layoff at the company's plant at 342 Perry House Rd. in Fitzgerald. About 240 workers are expected to be affected by the layoff, which is expected to start in April and continue through June. The company manufactures lead-acid automotive systems.
"The layoffs at Delphi create a difficult situation for the workers and the community," said Commissioner Thurmond, "and I want the workers and their families to know they're not alone in dealing with the problem. Our staff will work closely with Delphi management and union officials to determine how we can best assist the effected employees."
Thurmond said the labor department's rapid response unit has met with company management to discuss a wide range of transitional services available to laid-off workers. These options include: on-site employee information sessions, unemployment compensation, job-search services, retraining options, resources of the labor department's career centers, surveys of workers to determine needs, special workshops on career options and resume writing and interviewing skills.
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 training.
The Fitzgerald area is served by the Georgia Department of Labor's Tifton Career Center at 310 South Tift Ave. in Tifton. The telephone number is (229) 386-3322. 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-07-044