Sen. Kissel Seeks State Assistance to Help Displaced MeadWestvaco Employees

Hartford, CT – State Senator John A. Kissel (R-7) contacted Department of Labor Commissioner Patricia Mayfield today to begin work on providing aid and employment services to the 136 workers expected to lose their jobs when MeadWestvaco Corporation closes its Enfield manufacturing plant in March.

Senator Kissel requested that the Department of Labor immediately dispatch its Rapid Response Team to Enfield to educate the workers about job search assistance, unemployment benefits and training opportunities. Commissioner Mayfield said she will deploy the Rapid Response Team on February 3rd.

“Losing a job, especially during these tough economic times, is going to be a difficult challenge for these families,” said Senator Kissel. “I am pleased that the State Department of Labor is acting with a sense of urgency to help the workers who will be affected by this plant closing. It is extremely important that local and state officials work together help re-locate these workers as soon as possible.”

Commissioner Mayfield also said that the workers are likely to be eligible for extended unemployment benefits under the rules of the Federal Trade Act because it appears the Enfield plant is closing due to international competition.

The Department of Labor is making its Enfield office available to the workers to conduct job searches, make phone calls and receive other services.