Laid off Golden Guernsey workers get some help from the state

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- Over 100 laid off workers are getting some help from the state. Golden Guernsey Dairy closed its Waukesha plant suddenly earlier this month, leaving workers unexpectedly unemployed. On Wednesday, January 16th, officials with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development helped them to begin the process of getting back on their feet.

"It was just devastating. I think I'm still in partial shock because it just doesn't seem right," former Golden Guernsey employee Robert Storm said.

Storm worked at Golden Guernsey for 19 years, and left without a job or health insurance. In a packed room, Storm joined other former Golden Guernsey Dairy workers to get some tips to help get things back on track.

"This is just a great opportunity to get everyone together and just figure out what all of our options are," former Golden Guernsey Dairy employee Emily Held said.

The "Rapid Response Program" focuses on finding workers jobs quickly. They're told how to file for unemployment compensation and what health insurance options they have -- along with resume tips and resources to find a job.

This help for these workers will be ongoing.

"There is a greater sense of urgency and I think many employers in the community are going to come together to offer assistance," Job Services Director Sheila Knox said.

"It seems like they're really trying hard for us to get us back going," Storm said.

A job fair is planned for next Friday, January 25th at the Waukesha County Technical College, featuring employees from across the state.