Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Pledges Assistance to Daimler-Chrysler Employees Impacted by Restructuring
FENTON–Gov. Matt Blunt today said the state of Missouri would offer assistance to the 1,300 employees of Daimler-Chrysler’s St. Louis South Facility who were informed by the company that their jobs were being eliminated as part of a corporate restructuring plan. Blunt contacted Fenton Mayor Dennis Hancock and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley following Daimler-Chrysler’s announcement to discuss how the state plans to partner with them to help these workers.
“I am deeply disappointed that the St. Louis South Facility was included in these reductions and I want these outstanding employees to know that their state government will be providing assistance to help them secure new employment or access to job training programs,” Blunt said. “Missouri workers have led the revitalization of our state’s economy and are the reason our workforce is the best in the world.”
Challenges in the domestic automotive industry precipitated the restructuring plan unveiled today by Daimler-Chrysler executives. The St. Louis North Facility, also located in Fenton, was unaffected by today’s announcement and will continue to employ approximately 2,300 workers.
Blunt said the Division of Workforce Development, a division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), will be working with the company to let impacted employees know about the various training and job seeking services it provides and that his office and DED officials will continue to communicate with executives at Daimler-Chrysler throughout this process.
###