November 22, 2009

Gov. Markell, Secretary McMahon Announce Rapid Response to Help Valero Employees

DELAWARE CITY -- State rapid response teams will hold sessions Monday and Tuesday to assist workers affected by Valero's decision to close the company's oil refinery, Gov. Jack Markell and Secretary of Labor John McMahon said today.

"In Delaware, when there is a challenge, we pull together to help each other," Markell said. "The closing of the refinery is going to be extremely difficult for the workers and their families. We are bringing in these rapid response teams to address the challenges the workers are facing. We must also continue our focus moving our economy forward and getting more Delawareans back to work. The plant's employees and contractors worked hard to contribute to build Delaware's economy, and we owe it to them to work hard to help find new opportunities to get back to work."

The sessions will help workers learn about job-training opportunities, available benefits and other information. The first session will be held Monday, Nov. 23, at 9:30 a.m. in the IBEW Local 313 hall, 814 W. Basin Rd., New Castle. The second will be held Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 8:30 a.m. at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 74 hall, 201 Executive Dr, Suite A, Newark.