Through the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development and the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, the state provides assistance to workers when employers announce layoffs. Governor Riley said the Rapid Response Team will offer the same type of assistance to employees of the casinos who are not working because casino operators closed following a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court that so-called “electronic bingo” is illegal in Alabama.

The casino operators even closed other establishments that are not part of the casinos, such as restaurants, putting more people out of work.

“We will do everything possible to help these Alabamians receive the assistance they need. When employees are laid off, the Rapid Response Team provides help with unemployment assistance, health insurance needs, job training and locating new job opportunities,” said Governor Riley. “Although these casino operations are illegal, we will offer any and all assistance possible to any Alabamian who is without a job.”

“The Rapid Response Team will be on-site and ready to assist these laid off employees,” said Tom Surtees, Director of the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations. “Our trained staff will be on hand to help workers file unemployment compensation claims, and to determine if they are eligible for any other benefits.”

Multiple meetings will be conducted at several locations throughout the state over the next two days. The meetings will provide workers with information about the types of benefits that may be available to them, and how to apply for them.

Workers can also receive assistance in filing for unemployment compensation throughout the day.

Below is the schedule of Rapid Response efforts:

Macon County

Information meetings will be held on Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, February 10 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Unemployment Compensation filing assistance will be available on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The location is the Tuskegee Armory, located at 1101 Chappie James Avenue, Tuskegee.

Houston County

Informational meetings will be held on Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, February 10 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Unemployment Compensation filing assistance will be available on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The location is the Center for Economic and Workforce Development at Wallace Community College, located at 5565 Montgomery Hwy, Dothan.

Lowndes County

Informational meetings will be held on Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, February 10 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Unemployment Compensation filing assistance will be available on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The location is the Alabama State Trooper Training Facility, located at building #349, Avenue C, Craig Field, in Selma.