Officials of Bluebird have notified the Georgia Department of Labor of their plans to close, on August 27, their facility located at 1178 Shattuck Drive Industrial Blvd. in LaFayette. Approximately 300 workers will be affected.
“The plant closure at Bluebird in LaFayette will create a difficult situation for the workers and their families,” said Commissioner Thurmond. “I want them to know they’re not alone in dealing with this situation. The Georgia Department of Labor is committed to helping them find new jobs, or access training and educational opportunities to prepare for new careers.”
Commissioner Thurmond said the labor department provides a wide range of transitional services to laid-off workers. These options include: on-site employee information sessions describing services available through the Georgia Department of Labor, assistance in filing claims for unemployment compensation, re-employment services, access to retraining opportunities, skills assessment and correlation with available employment opportunities, special workshops on career options and resume writing and interviewing skills.
The Georgia Department of Labor conducts job search workshops, career counseling, and provides resource centers in each office. Some job seekers may also be eligible for occupational/skills training, on-the-job training, General Education Development (GED) preparation and testing, and supportive services such as childcare assistance, transportation assistance and meals while enrolled in full-time training.
LaFayette is served by the Georgia Department of Labor’s LaFayette Career Center, located at 200 West Villanow St. in LaFayette. The office telephone number is (706) 638-5525. However, affected workers may get assistance from any of the department’s 53 career centers statewide. A listing of career centers is available on line at www.dol.state.ga.us.
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