Two months after it was first reported the state Department of Workforce Development has issued a Closing and Mass Layoff notice for a Fond du Lac company. Last November Saputo Cheese announced it would be closing its cheese manufacturing facility in Fond du Lac by June 1, leaving 126 employees out of work. DWD and the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, says it will offer Rapid Response services. Fond du Lac County executive Al Buechel worked at the plant more than 50 years ago when it was Tolibia Cheese. Buechel says the news is a reminder of the importance of encouraging local companies to modernize and expand their facilities. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Dislocated Worker Program provides transition assistance to workers and companies affected by permanent worker layoffs. The Program’s local Rapid Response Teams help companies and worker representatives develop and implement a practical transition plan based on the size of the layoff event. Types of services include:
* pre-layoff workshops on a variety of topics such as resume writing and interviewing, job search strategies, and budgeting
* provision of information about programs and resources through written materials and information sessions
* career and resource fairs.
Workers affected by permanent layoff may also access basic re-employment services at no charge through the state’s Job Centers. Some services, including training assistance, may be an option for some workers after enrolling in one or more of DWD’s workforce development programs. While all companies faced with permanent worker layoffs are encouraged to seek assistance from the local Rapid Response Teams, some companies may be required to give 60 days notice before a mass layoff or closing under federal and/or state law. More information about advance notice requirements is available at https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dislocatedworker/.
