WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley today urged the U.S. Department of Labor to help as much as possible if the state of Iowa seeks federal assistance for the 175 employees at Terex Cranes in Waverly who were told this week that the plant is ceasing operations.
“If the state requests federal assistance, it is my hope that the Department of Labor would take quick action to assist the displaced workers and aid the efforts of the state, regional and local organizations and economic development leaders in response to this closure,” Grassley wrote to Secretary Thomas Perez.
“I would also request that the Department of Labor quickly consider any additional requests for assistance, including any potential request for a National Dislocated Worker Grant to help workers and provide assistance to those affected by the Terex closure. The services and employment training facilitated by the Department of Labor would be critical in helping the affected workers get back on their feet and find suitable employment as quickly as possible.”
Grassley noted that the plant closure will hit hard in the community of 10,000 people, as the plant has operated for more than 75 years. The state could seek the dislocated workers grant as it sees fit.
Earlier this month, Grassley helped to bring about progress in an impasse between Tyson Foods, Inc. and a property holder over a closed plant in Cherokee.
A signed copy of Grassley’s letter to the Labor Department on Terex is available here. The text follows.
July 20, 2016
The Honorable Thomas E. Perez
Secretary
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
Dear Secretary Perez:
This week, employees at Terex Cranes in Waverly, Iowa, were informed that the manufacturing plant is ceasing operations. The plant, which has been a part of Waverly’s business community for more than 75 years, currently employs 175 workers. This closure will hit this community of 10,000 particularly hard. It’s my understanding that the state economic development office is working to help the displaced employees find new opportunities. If the state requests federal assistance, it is my hope that the Department of Labor would take quick action to assist the displaced workers and aid the efforts of the state, regional and local organizations and economic development leaders in response to this closure.
I would also request that the Department of Labor quickly consider any additional requests for assistance, including any potential request for a National Dislocated Worker Grant to help workers and provide assistance to those affected by the Terex closure. The services and employment training facilitated by the Department of Labor would be critical in helping the affected workers get back on their feet and find suitable employment as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley
United States Senator
cc: The Honorable Terry Branstad
Governor, State of Iowa
Ms. Beth Townsend
Director, Iowa Workforce Development
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