Federal funds help DLT assist Brooks workers

CRANSTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $1,224,099, with $685,497 released initially, to assist about 246 Rhode Island workers who have been dislocated as a result of layoffs at the former Brooks Eckerd corporate offices in Warwick.
The grant, awarded to the R.I. Department of Labor and Training, will make it possible to provide workers with a full array of employment services, including assessment, basic skills development, and career and occupational skills training.
Last June, Brooks Eckerd, which has been acquired by Rite Aid, announced the company would begin layoffs in August that are expected to continue through May of next year.