Business Solutions Supporting More Than 400 Workers in WestRock Closure
December 20, 2023
WorkForce Central’s Business Solutions team has been working hard to support employees through Pierce County’s largest business closure of 2023, the WestRock paper mill.
The company announced the September 30 closure in August. In preparation, the Business Solutions team organized five separate Rapid Response sessions to help prepare and connect the 400 employees impacted with information and resources to aid in the transition to new employment.
“As the designated Rapid Response coordinators for layoffs and business closures in our area, we respond to these situations with urgency, bringing together state and local partners to inform workers about the resources and services available to them as they navigate and process their unique situations,” said Teresa Delicino, Senior Director of Business Solutions for WorkForce Central.
Rapid Response sessions are held in partnership with the Washington State Employment Security Department, which provides information on unemployment benefits, the Department of Labor, which provides health and retirement benefits information, Community and Technical colleges for employment and training resources, WorkSource partners for career and job search support, Washington State Labor Council for additional resources for labor represented workers, and others such as Washington Healthplan Finder.
The Business Solutions team worked closely with WestRock and the Washington State Labor Council to hold sessions at the mill and the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) labor hall.
“Further, we are in the process of onboarding a WestRock Peer Navigator using State of Washington funds from our partners at the Employment Security Department,” said Samuel Bradshaw, Business Solutions Manager. “We are working to place this individual in a temporary 2–3-month role wherein they will act as the boots-on-the-ground contact for all WestRock employees as an entry point into the WorkSource system. This will help ensure warm handoffs into our programs.”
The team is also working hard to connect employees with new employers.
“We also continue to engage with employers who want to hire directly from the WestRock pool of candidates,” Bradshaw said. “Belmont Cabinets, Pabco Building Products, and Boeing are some of the employers who have reached out looking for introductions. Our foot is not letting off the gas. We are working diligently with our partners to ensure we are engaging all WestRock employees and finding their personal best fit to move forward after this life event.”
The Rapid Response sessions provide information and opportunities to enroll in our local Industry Training Cohorts. A handful of WestRock employees enrolled in the most recent Waterversity water system operator training while also working through until their separation from WestRock. Two of those employees have already found employment with their new water system certifications.
The WestRock closure is one that has a resounding impact throughout South Puget Sound. Bradshaw said he held a separate Rapid Response session for employees of Edmund Company, a third-generation family-owned whole log chipping business. They are closing due to the WestRock closure, as it was the major source of their business.
Employees come from all around the Puget Sound Region, including Pierce, South King, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, Grays Harbor, and Lewis counties. Their positions range from millworkers to electricians to administrative roles.
Rapid Response sessions are just one of many services WorkForce Central’s Business Solutions team offers for employers and their workforce.
“We work with businesses who may be facing downturns, closures, and layoffs. We want them to know we can support their transition and lessen the learning curve for their workers facing layoffs. Partners are here to help workers access resources and services,” Delicino said. “We also work with businesses to avert layoffs by accessing the SharedWork program to help offset full unemployment and keep their workforce engaged.”
To learn more about Rapid Response and how we can support your business, contact our Business Solutions team to schedule a consultation.
