WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT - Department of Commerce

NORTH CAROLINA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT
5
DISLOCATION OF
WORKERS:
TRENDS' EFFECTS
ON NORTH
CAROLINA
EMPLOYMENT
Increased imports have dramatically impacted the dynamics of the
workforce in North Carolina. Over the past five years, the textile and
apparel industries have accounted for 47,384 North Carolina layoffs.
The Furniture and Fixtures industries have suffered 5,006 job losses. The
Tobacco industry has also decreased its workforce by 15,828. The trend
in North Carolina industries since 1995 reflects a steady decrease in
Manufacturing employment and increase in Services employment.
North Carolina Employment Trends
30%
Manufacturing
Trade
Services
25%
20%
15%
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
The Dislocated Worker Unit is an integral part of the WIA Dislocated
Worker Program. During PY 2000, the Dislocated Worker Unit received
161 WARN notices of facility closures or layoffs affecting 26,706
employees. By offering Rapid Response services to affected employees,
regardless of the reason for dislocation, North Carolinians are empowered
with knowledge of choices and services available to them.
Fortunately, the North Carolina WIA Dislocated Worker program has been
able to minimize the worries of many of these workers. In PY 2000, a total
of 5,501 Dislocated Workers were served and 1,286 exited the program.
Through job placement services, counseling, evaluation, and training
where necessary, the JobLink Career Centers have been able to place
81.7% of Dislocated Workers served into employment (4.7% above the
negotiated performance level of 77.0%). The actual six-month earnings
replacement rate of 93.9% substantially exceeded the negotiated
performance level of 82.0%. The employment retention rate was 88.6%
and the credential rate was 32.5% vs. the negotiated performance level of
85.0% and 27.0%, respectively.