U.S. Department of Labor Releases Grant to Assist Plainview Workers Displaced by Cargill Meat Plant Closure

Workers in Plainview affected by the closing of the Cargill Meat Processing Plant will be eligible for help from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a National Emergency Grant of more than $2,066,000 to provide assistance to more than 320 workers affected by the closure of the plant in January 2013.

The grant has been awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, and will make it possible for eligible dislocated workers to receive reemployment services.

“The Labor Department’s funding will allow former Cargill workers to receive critical services and training that helps them obtain jobs in other growth industries in the area,” said acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris.

“Skills are the leading edge of economic development for communities across the country, and this grant reflects our commitment to workforce investment,” Harris continued.

The closure of the plant displaced 2,211 workers.

More than $1.1 million will be released initially, and additional funding up to the approved amount will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.