OhioMeansJobs offices in Stark and Tuscarawas counties will offer special sessions next week to help Union Metal employees who lost their jobs when the facility closed last month.
CANTON OhioMeansJobs offices in Stark and Tuscarawas counties are offering special information meetings for people who lost their jobs when Union Metal abruptly closed last month.
The special sessions are set for Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. Workers can stop at the Canton office at 822 30th St. NW or the New Philadelphia office at 1260 Monroe St., Suite 35. Re-registration isn't necessary.
Amy Miller, resource center manager and one-stop officer at the Canton office, said local OhioMeansJobs offices and offices in neighboring counties started hearing from Union Metal employees in December before the plant closed. While some workers already are getting assistance, next week's sessions will offer a chance to learn more about the state's employment program.
More than 300 people were left jobless when Union Metal closed. The 110-year-old company is part of a privately-held business based in Sugarland, Texas. The company hasn't given a reason for the closing. Layoffs started Dec. 11.
About 40 people, half of them salaried and half members of United Steelworkers Local 9094, continue to work at the plant in Maple Avenue NE. Tim Lynn, president of Local 9094, said employees are preparing product for shipments.
Lynn said some workers have found jobs with local companies that need welders, but a number of older workers continue to hope the company will be revived.
"I know we have a good product," Lynn said.
Next week's sessions at OhioMeansJobs will explain how the offices can be used for job searches and spell out requirements workers must meet if they area receiving unemployment compensation. The sessions will last 30 to 45 minutes, Miller said. Participants also can sign up for individual appointments to work on a resume.
The goal next week is to help workers get information they need to help them launch their job search, Miller said. Several area companies are looking for workers with skills possessed by former Union Metal workers.
Officials with Union Metal approached OhioMeansJobs about setting up the programs, said Monica Gwin, spokeswoman for the agency.
The local OhioMeansJobs offices provide services to anyone looking for a job. "We deal with this throughout the year," Miller said. "We're here to help these customers get back to work."
Local offices anticipate and influx of job seekers following announcements this past week that Affinity Medical Center in Massillon and two Canton Fishers Foods stores will be closing.
Reach Edd at 330-580-8484 or edd.pritchard@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @epritchardREP