September 10, 2019

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Awarded Dislocated Worker Grant Following Closure of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station

Commonwealth Receives Over $500k for Reemployment Services for Workers Impacted by Plant's Closure

Boston, MA - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Representative William Keating (D-MA-09), today applauded a $503,079 competitive federal grant awarded to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to support reemployment services for workers impacted by the June 2019 closure of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The funding, which was awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) National Dislocated Worker grant program, will help the Commonwealth provide career services such as career planning, comprehensive assessments, resume writing, and job placement to workers laid off earlier this year.

"I am glad that our workers impacted by the closure of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station will receive career support from the Commonwealth and the federal government as they seek new job opportunities," said Senator Warren.

"We can't allow any workers to be left behind -- not when they have so much to offer," said Senator Markey. "This grant will help former Pilgrim employees and members of the Utility Workers Local 369 to continue to use their valuable skills and help grow the Massachusetts economy. I support efforts to provide new jobs, new skills, and other support to workers affected by plant closures, and will keep pushing for comprehensive job transition assistance."

"Two issues have always been at the forefront of Pilgrim's decommissioning: that it's done with the highest degree of safety and that we take care of the affected workers," said Congressman Keating. "This grant will help ensure our skilled workers get the training and assistance they need to further their careers - something I believe is critical for the community and that I wholeheartedly support."

Dislocated Worker Grants are supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. These grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses. All workers affected by the plant closure have been certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance, enabling them to seek training and supportive services in preparation for reemployment.

More information about the DOL's Dislocated Worker Grant program is available here.

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