DWD has received the following Wisconsin Business Closing and Mass Layoff (WARN) notice:
Fortis Management Group, LLC. – Fortis Management Group, LLC entered receivership and notes that there will be a layoff of a number of employees who are employed by the Milwaukee WI office located at 111 West Michigan St, Milwaukee, WI 53203. Currently, there are approximately 225 Fortis employees who are employed by the Milwaukee Office. They anticipate 25% or more of these employees will be laid off within sixty (60) days of this letter (August 21, 2017) and they anticipate the Milwaukee Office will close in its entirety by the end of September, 2018. However, employees may be employed beyond this date due to business need or through the court supervised receivership proceeding. Also, it is possible that some employees of the Milwaukee Office could be offered employment by new operators, and that a new operator could operate certain facilities out of the Milwaukee Office and occupy the Milwaukee Office. DWD and the Employ Milwaukee Rapid Response Team will work with the affected parties to offer rapid response services.
Contact: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
Workforce Development Dislocated Worker Services Summary
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (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
- 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. 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 60 days 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/.
