More than 800 laid off Caterpillar workers at the Mossville Engine Facility are now eligible for extra income, training and help with health insurance. The aid comes after the US Labor Department accepted a UAW petition for Worker Adjustment Assistance.
The ruling states the workers qualify because one of CAT's biggest engine customers moved its production to a foreign country. Due to that drop in demand, CAT officials say it cut jobs at Mossville.
But, the UAW claims the work at Mossville is being shipped to a new plant in Texas, currently under construction, which is closer to CAT suppliers in Mexico.
"It's going to be a huge shot in the arm for the people that do take advantage of it. I think it's a huge win for everybody out there that's affected by this decision," UAW Local 974 President Rick Doty said Tuesday morning at Union Hall in East Peoria.
"They'll be eligible for up to 156 weeks of training with income support. It's not called unemployment but in effect extends unemployment for your approved training," Randy Stevens with the Illinois AFL/CIO says.
The aid is funded through the federal government and does not cost CAT anything. Laid off union and non-union workers at Mossville are eligible for assistance.
CAT Officials released this statement Tuesday regarding the ruling, "We hope this funding will be beneficial to eligible individuals so they can increase and enhance their skills for future employment opportunities, hopefully with Caterpillar as demand increases for our products.”
The Union is also petitioning for 250 laid off workers at Mapleton to get the same help.
Call For More Information On Assistance Available:
Peoria, Marshall, Stark & Woodford Counties: 309-495-8900
Tazewell, McLean, Fulton & Mason Counties: 309-346-0370
Bureau, LaSalle, Lee & Putnam Counties: 815-224-0370
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