NASHVILLE – Representative Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) expressed concern today after being advised that Newell Rubbermaid is cutting about 200 jobs in Blount County and shifting them to other states.

“This is very disappointing and discouraging news for our community but more importantly for the employees whose livelihoods are being affected and their families,” said Overbey.

“While this was apparently a difficult decision for Newell Rubbermaid, it does not ease the pain or anxiety for those who are seeing their jobs moved to Texas and Ohio,” Overbey added.

Following the completion of Thursday morning’s legislative session, Overbey met personally with Dart Gore of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to assure that the Department was aware of the impending loss of jobs and its impact on the affected employees and the Blount County community.

‘Mr. Gore assured me that the Department of Labor would work closely with the dislocated workers and there would most likely be on-site meetings for the employees to explain what benefits and services are available to them. Mr. Gore also indicated that the Department would be on-site at the appropriate time to take claims for unemployment insurance benefits,” Overbey added.

For more information about the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s services for dislocated workers and the type of assistance available in the event of a job loss due to layoff, please go to www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/et_dw_services.html.

“This is a most unfortunate development for those who are losing their jobs and our community,” Overbey added, “And, while we may not be able to snap our fingers and make the jobs instantly reappear, we can make sure that all the services our State has to offer will be made available to the affected employees and their families as promptly and conveniently as possible.”

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 10th, 2008 at 1:46 pm and is filed under In The News.
 Email This Post