Officials working with employment office to support displaced gun shop workers

By Owen Boss

GARDNER — Now that the more than 200 local employees of the H&R 1871 plant in Gardner have started preparing for unemployment, city and state officials are working in collaboration with the North Central Career Center to support those affected. Although the decision has already been made by Remington to consolidate the plant, state officials are trying to convince the owners to keep the plant in Gardner. According to state Rep. Robert Rice, D-Gardner, attempts are being made through the office of Lt. Gov. Tim Murray to renegotiate the closing of the plant, and to expend every available resource to assist the employees at the plant. “We are aware that once these decisions are made, they are hard to undo,” said Mr. Rice. “They are made for a variety of reasons, but there is one thing we do know, and that is that the decision had nothing to do with the work force.” According to Mr. Rice, Remington’s decision to close the plant was not because of a lack of profits. “H&R was very profitable. We know that the Gardner work force was a dedicated and skilled work force.” The North Central Career Center is currently preparing to assist the employees of the plant, but according to Joe Mello, Rapid Response coordinator, he has been unable to speak with them directly. “We have not been able to speak with the employees at this time,” said Mr. Mello “We have made attempts to speak with management officials. We are still in the process of having positive talks with the members of managment, and they informed us that there was plenty of time before they release anyone, which will give us a chance to help the employees.” The North Central Career Center manages a range of programs related to employment, training and work force development. In addition, they oversee the commonwealth’s network of one-stop career centers that assist businesses in finding qualified workers and provide job seekers with career guidance as well as referral to jobs and training. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 3 on 4/10/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 86)