WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Shaw's Supermarket employees, who lost their jobs when it closed a distribution center in October, will receive assistance from a $1.08 million U.S. Labor Department grant, officials said.
"We appreciate the funding, and we hope that outplacement services and other agencies will direct the individuals who need it toward those funds," said Bernie Rogan, spokesman for the chain.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao made the grant announcement earlier this month.
The grant will provide assistance for about 185 workers by supplementing existing reemployment programs offered by the state, Labor Department officials said.
Services will include, outreach and recruitment, job development, job search assistance, basic skills training, literacy training and job placement.
The grant constitutes a major part of President Bush's Back-to-Work package.
There were about 400 associates working at the Shaw's DC in East Bridgewater, Mass., at the time it closed, Rogan said.
Rogan explained that in addition to the government's efforts, Shaw's has spent about $7 million on mitigating economic hardship, including, severance packages and medical and dental and pension benefits.
