June 1, 2009

Delaware Will Extend Helping Hand to General Motors Workers

Markell says Boxwood employees deserved opportunity to help GM turn around

WILMINGTON -- Gov. Jack Markell released the following statement Monday in response to General Motors' decision to close its Boxwood Road plant. Since taking office in January, Markell has worked with U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, U.S. Sen. Ted Kaufman and U.S. Rep. Mike Castle to be in frequent contact with GM officials. The Governor also recently met with President Obama's car czar and told the company the state would be willing to offer assistance if GM would idle the plant instead of closing the facility.

"The employees at the Boxwood Road plant worked hard every day and deserved a chance to help General Motors regroup and move forward," Markell said. "GM has sent many strong signals in the past few years that it was leaning toward closing this plant, but  that does not make this news any less unfortunate or soften its impact on the workers and their families.

 "We stand ready to help the plant's talented employees learn new skills so they can be competitive in the job market. The Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Social Services will be deploying teams to help the workers get the necessary training and assistance. The workers at the GM plant gave some of the most productive years of their lives to the company and helped GM be an important part of Delaware's economy in the past. We owe it to these workers to help them become part of Delaware's economic future."