Photo credit: San Bernardino CountyVICTORVILLE – San Bernardino County’s Rapid Response hiring event, December 8, had nearly 400 people turnout for the event aimed at providing employment options for laid off United Furniture Industries (UFI) workers. The mass layoff made national headlines last month, after 2,700 workers were terminated two days before the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Our Rapid Response support work is a reminder of how quickly we can come together to put resources in place when the community needs us,” said First District San Bernardino County Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.).
UFI Director of Operations Mario Gonzalez made a call to the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) after he and 300 employees he supervised received the layoff notification.
WDB Business Representative Sal Monica, who answered the call, did not hesitate.
The county organized the Rapid Response hiring event just in time for the Christmas season to get displaced workers back on their feet.
A news release from the county says local employers including Ashley Furniture, Big Lots, Walmart and Plastipak Packaging “began to recruit displaced UFI employees almost immediately.”
RELATED: United Furniture Industries ex-employee suing after “unlawful termination” of 2,700 workers
In partnership with Victor Valley College, the event and job fair took place at the school’s High Desert Training Center. Nearly 400 job-seekers showed up and met with 37 resource providers and employers.
Resources included individualized job search, resume assistance, information on veterans services, skills certifications, on-the-job training, and financial assistance for training.
WDB also provides information on insurance benefits, the county’s three America’s Job Centers of California, COBRA, 401(k) options, the Affordable Care Act and child support assistance.
Last month, 2,700 UFI employees across the nation received a termination notice via email and text message. UFI is currently facing a class action lawsuit for unlawful termination of employees.
For more information about the employment and hiring events in your area visit https://www.caljobs.ca.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx
 workers.){kind=link}