Employers should contact the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth’s Rapid Response Section to schedule a Rapid Response Team Meeting when fifty (50) or more workers will be impacted by a facility closure or layoff.  These meetings provide employers and employee representatives an opportunity to obtain invaluable information about dislocated worker services that are available locally and free to eligible applicants. 

As part of Rapid Response, Team members can also arrange for the following services:

• Worker Orientation Meetings:   Coordinated by the local Michigan Works agency, these meetings provide an opportunity for affected workers to learn more about local dislocated worker services and interact with service providers.
• Joint Adjustment Committees (JACs):   JACs are an ad hoc group of workers and managers working together to provide adjustment services on behalf of the workers in their facility that are about to lose their jobs due to a closure or downsizing that affects at least 100 employees.  JACs work to identify available opportunities and arrange for services necessary to assist workers in reaching their goals.  The Rapid Response Team assists with establishing a committee at the worksite and actively participates in helping the committee achieve its goals.
• Trade Information Meetings:   These meetings are held for workers who have been certified under a Trade Act petition.  Local Michigan Works agency and State staff provide information on the benefits and services available under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002.

The Rapid Response Team is comprised of a Workforce Consultant from the Rapid Section, representatives from the local Michigan Works! agency, and a representative from the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.   The Rapid Response Team works together to ensure that both employers and their employees receive all available assistance to help through the closure/layoff process.

In cases where less than fifty (50) workers are impacted, the Rapid Response Section can assist employers with a referral to the local Michigan Works agency.

For further information on Rapid Response, contact:

Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth

Workforce Transition Division

Rapid Response Section

201 N. Washington Square

Lansing, Michigan 48913

Phone:  517-373-6234

Fax:  517-373-4648