Louisiana Workforce Commission hosting meetings to connect former workers with reemployment resources Sept. 4 and Sept. 5.
AMITE CITY, La. — Dozens of employees at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland are now out of work following last week’s chemical explosion and fire.
Former workers told our partners at WBRZ in Baton Rouge they were notified by email. The email, obtained by WBRZ, said almost all employees were being let go, “Just a FYI as of friday the 22nd everyone has been laid off,” a text message sent Monday evening said.
It also stated the layoffs are permanent and that workers would not receive severance pay. Employees will be compensated for unused vacation time.
The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) confirmed the layoffs and said it has already helped 80 former Smitty’s employees file for unemployment benefits. In a statement, Smitty’s apologized to Roseland residents and its workforce for the explosion and fire.
“These last few days have created a great deal of upheaval for our entire community and our company,” the company stated on Tuesday. “We are sorry for the uncertainty our neighbors, employees and friends have experienced.”
The company has also been hit with five lawsuits since the incident.
To help impacted employees, the LWC Rapid Response Team is organizing four Q&A sessions to connect workers with reemployment resources. Representatives from Geaux Jobs and the Unemployment Insurance Department will participate, offering information on training grants, resume building, webinars, unemployment benefits, and community and health resources.
The first session is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. at the Florida Parishes Arena, 1301 NW Central Avenue in Amite, LA.
Meetings will be held at 9 a.m. on Sept. 4, and at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. on Sept. 5, with the final session at 2 p.m.
Read Smitty Supply’s Full Statement below:
“These last few days have created a great deal of upheaval for our entire community and our company. We are sorry for the uncertainty our neighbors, employees and friends have experienced.
Most importantly, we are grateful that there were no injuries as a result of this tragic event. We also appreciate the work of the first responders from Tangipahoa Parish, the Louisiana State Police and across the region in containing the fire.
Smitty’s Service is cooperating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as they take over the response and needed clean-up. We will support the EPA and all other agencies to ensure that this next phase proceeds safely and efficiently.
As the damage assessment and clean-up begins in earnest, there is much work to do. Smitty’s is committed to rebuilding in Roseland. We are one of the largest employers in this region and are proud to have been part of Roseland and Tangipahoa Parish for decades.”
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