THE LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and its regional partners held the first of several upcoming rapid response events to urgently connect soon-to-be laid off local workers, impacted by the recent bankruptcy and closure of dozens of local 99 Cents Only Stores, to critical workforce services. The layoff information session and job fair, officially titled the “Good Jobs Fairs,” provided immediate assistance and supportive services to more than 125 employees today including unemployment insurance, housing and tenant support, medical coverage options, job search and placement services, public and health benefits, retirements plans, WIC program, food distribution, and more.
The shutdown of the 99 Cents Only Stores will affect 3.7K+ local workers from more than 90 stores, 3 distributions centers and 1 headquarter location. Following the heels bankruptcy announcement, a Board motion was introduced by Supervisor Janice Hahn and unanimously approved, directing County staff to find ways to help displaced workers including enhanced job training, job placement, and connection to stabilizing resources.
“This is an all-hands-on-deck situation. Arm-in-arm with our labor partners, the County is stepping in to make sure these workers have the support they need to get through this crisis, and not only get new jobs – but better jobs,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “While I hold out hope that the company can be purchased and that the 99 Cents Stores can be saved, we are preparing for the worst and doing everything we can for these workers and their families.”
“You’ve got cashiers, stock and warehousing workers, drivers, supervisors, managers and more now displaced and in need of urgent support to get back on their feet,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “With our Rapid Response teams, we’re able to quickly mobilize partners, provide a wide range of resources to all those affected immediately, and connect workers to quality jobs in new career pathways. We’re grateful for the leadership of Supervisor Janice Hahn, our America’s Job Centers of California, State and local partners, and employers coming together to support local workers today and in coming days.”
According to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter issued to impacted workers, 94 stores have cashier, head cashier, key holder, lead associate, asst. manager, store manager and stocker positions. 3 distribution centers have directors, managers, supervisors, leads, distribution center associates, and yard driver positions. All totaling over 2,500 positions in Los Angeles County.
DEO administers LA County’s Rapid Response program, funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), through its system of America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) to workers affected by layoffs and plant closures alongside six other Workforce Development Boards in LA County. Rapid response efforts have been instrumental in assisting with regional layoff aversion strategies and providing relief for dislocated workers in the current economic climate within the Los Angeles County.
Partners, resources, and employers present at today’s event represented local, state, and federal regions and services including 12 employers and 9 resources providers. See full list of participating entities below:
Resource Providers
- LA County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
- LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA)
- Covered California
- Employment Development Department
- U.S. Department of Labor
- Women, Infant, and Childrens Program (WIC)
- WERC
- Slauson Occupational Center
- Hospitality Training Academy (HTA)
Employers:
- Superior Lithographics
- MV Transportation
- In2Vision Three Principles
- Winter Woman Apprenticeships
- Smart & Final Distribution
- Parenthood Partners & Family Services
- SEIU-UHW United Healthcare Workers
- Tapia Brothers
- Altamed
- FLAG Solutions
- King Taco
- Revolution Plumbing
In addition, the County and City of Los Angeles are also supporting efforts by a potential investor group to acquire the impacted 99 Cents Only Stores. DEO’s Layoff Aversion team, which is operated by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), will serve as the County’s lead in further promoting this potential transition of the 99 Cents Only Stores to a new ownership group.
Workers or businesses facing imminent layoff can connect to DEO’s Rapid Response team. For information, visit opportunity.lacounty.gov/rapid-response/. n