CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/news.htm
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MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today received 11 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notices (WARN) from Shopko Stores Operating Company, LLC, showing that over 575 hardworking Wisconsinites will lose their employment at 11 Shopko stores statewide. DWD Secretary-Designee Caleb Frostman released the following statement in response to the announced closures:

“Shopko has been a Wisconsin institution for more than 50 years and these closures will undoubtedly change the fabric of multiple Wisconsin communities. The Department of Workforce Development has been in communication with Shopko officials to coordinate and provide Rapid Response services to the workers affected by all Shopko closings, including those previously reported by the media and the 11 DWD received notice of today. Those services are already underway, and further communication from DWD and our workforce development board partners will be forthcoming. These layoffs will impact hundreds of hardworking Wisconsinites across our state in several Wisconsin communities. With ever-changing consumer habits, retail workers are becoming more and more insecure in their employment, and today’s announcement, along with last year’s layoffs by Bon-Ton, demonstrate that we must champion policies that provide the workers of Wisconsin the ability to re-train as our economy continues to evolve.

To these and other workers recently affected by a layoff; Governor Evers and DWD stand by you, and we are ready to assist in every way we can.”

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/.

The WARN notices received today can be accessed on DWD’s WARN Notice Webpage.

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