Governor Culver Requests Immediate Assistance for Winnebago Employees

DES MOINES – The announcement of layoffs by Winnebago an unfortunate event for Charles City and the surrounding area. This type of a loss has significant impact on not only the employees, but the entire community as well. The State of Iowa is committed to assisting the affected workers with Rapid Response and reemployment services in a proactive and efficient manner. Our goal is to mitigate the economic loss for the families and community of those involved.

“I have requested Iowa Workforce Development officials to use all available programs and resources to help those affected by this unfortunate event,” stated Governor Culver.

Iowa Workforce Development has already begun the process of initiating the Rapid Response program to serve Winnebago employees. “Our team has already made arrangements with company officials to conduct the first meeting on June 10th,” indicated Iowa Workforce Development director, Elisabeth Buck.

Iowa Workforce Development will be working with the company to gather the appropriate information for requesting additional assistance from the US Department of Labor in the form of National Emergency Grants and/or Trade Adjustment Assistance. The additional services provided through these grant programs will allow the affected employees to return to school, improve basic skills and more.