WOW Workforce Development Inc., on behalf of the board (WDB) administers Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs for adults, youth and dislocated (laid-off) workers.   WIA funds provide participants in the programs with opportunities to find employment, acquire new occupational skills, retain desired employment and increase earning potential.   Through the Dislocated Worker Program, laid-off workers are re-employed into jobs matched to their skills and career goals at wages comparable to what they were earning before lay off. 

The WDI works with the businesses that are closing or laying off large numbers of their workers and with organized labor to quickly get information about reemployment help to affected workers.   Services are provided through the Workforce Development Centers located in each of the counties.

Individual Layoffs

Any worker affected by a layoff is encouraged to visit their Workforce Development Center where many services are available (www.wfdc.org).   If the dislocated worker requests more specialized services, a Dislocated Worker Program Case Manager will determine whether to enroll the worker and develop an individual employment plan that could include retraining for new occupational skills.

Mass Layoffs or Business Closings

When workers are laid off due to a business closing or mass layoff, a special process referred to as a Rapid Response is used to quickly assess the reemployment needs of affected workers and get information to those workers.   The Rapid Response process begins with contact to the employer and organized labor if the workers are represented.  The purpose of the initial employer meeting is to gather information about the workforce and gain agreement to conduct information sessions for the affected workers at the company location prior to the layoff date(s).  The information sessions are presented by individuals with expertise in unemployment insurance benefits, alternative pension and insurance programs, occupational skills training course availability, reemployment services and veterans benefits.

At the information sessions, workers are surveyed to determine their reemployment potential and service needs.   Depending on their interest level and nature of the services requested, WDI can apply for special funds to pay for the retraining and reemployment services.

Services available to businesses that are closing or downsizing

Special Response Dislocated Worker Program services may include:

•  Facilitating an initial planning meeting

•  Defining an in-plant assistance committee

•  Organizing and training the in-plant assistance committee

•  Planning Orientation sessions for all affected workers

•  Conducting a worker survey to determine reemployment

   services

•  Coordinating services among private and public

   employment and training agencies

•  Organizing onsite specialized recruitment events (job

   fairs) with other local employers