2. News Room

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

DWD Secretary Frostman releases Statement on Verso Corporation

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) received a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notice (WARN) from Verso Corporation today announcing that potentially 902 employees may be laid off on July 31.

Verso Corporation provided notice to DWD that the company will indefinitely idle and, as such, must implement layoffs at its facility located at 310 3rd Avenue North, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Approximately 902 employees will be laid off on July 31, 2020. Although some employees will be kept on after July 31 to continue limited operations and/or maintain the mill, it is unknown as to how many workers will be kept or for how long.

The company cites the COVID-19 virus as the reason for the decrease in customer orders, significantly affecting business operations.

DWD Secretary Caleb Frostman released the following statement in response to the announced closure:

"The closure of Verso Corporation will significantly impact workers who rely on these jobs to support their families, especially during these unprecedented times.

"The Department of Workforce Development is firmly committed to providing assistance in job placement, unemployment applications, interview prep, career counselling, and navigation of childcare and health insurance information.

"Upon receiving this notice, DWD and its local partner, North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, immediately started providing support through rapid response efforts. We are all committed to making sure that everyone impacted by this closure has the opportunity to return to work and earn a family-supporting wage."

The DWD Dislocated Worker Program provides transition assistance to workers and companies affected by permanent worker layoffs. The Program's local Rapid Response Teams help companies and worker representatives develop and implement a practical transition plan based on the size of the layoff event. Types of services include:

• Pre-layoff workshops on a variety of topics, such as resume writing and interviewing, job search strategies, and budgeting;
• Provision of information about programs and resources through written materials and information sessions; and
• Career and resource fairs.

Workers affected by permanent layoff may also access basic re-employment services at no charge through the state's Job Centers. Workers can receive Job Center services virtually. Visit https://dwd.wi.gov/covid19/public/det.htm to connect online or over the phone. Some services, including training assistance, may be an option for some workers after enrolling in one or more of DWD's workforce development programs. While all companies faced with permanent worker layoffs are encouraged to seek assistance from the local Rapid Response Teams, some companies may be required to give a 60-day notice before a mass layoff or closing under federal and/or state law. More information about advance notice requirements is available at https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dislocatedworker/.

The WARN notices received today can be accessed on DWD's WARN Notice website.

Employees have the right to file a wage claim with DWD's Division of Equal Rights if there is a dispute with the employer about the amount of wages owed/earned. Learn more about what a wage claim is and how to file one.