Conagra workers who cannot travel to a job center can now get free help finding work or training at a site in Macon, by appointment only.
The Workforce Development Board of North Missouri announced the Macon site in a news release dated Tuesday. Workers can schedule an appointment by calling 660-785-2400 to reach a staff member of Gamm Inc., the board’s job center operator, according to the release.
Chariton Media Group reported Nov. 9 that Conagra told employees it intends to close its Macon plant Jan. 15, 2027. The state’s list of layoff notices shows the closing affects 442 workers. The Chronicle reported Wednesday that workers must stay on the job through their official last day to remain eligible for unemployment benefits, according to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
The board’s staff will connect affected workers with job leads and with training and education programs, at no cost, according to the release. Workers can also walk into any of the board’s job centers in Chillicothe, Hannibal, Kirksville, St. Joseph, Maryville, or Troy. The release lists hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, though the state’s job center listing shows the Kirksville center closing at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
"The Workforce Development Board of North Missouri is committed to ensuring a seamless transfer of employment for all dislocated workers affected by the announced closure of the ConAgra Brands manufacturing facility in Macon, Missouri," Johannah Baugher, executive director of the board, said in the release. "This announcement comes at an extremely difficult time for employees and their families with the holiday season quickly approaching. It remains our priority to unite with local and state partners to assist employees during this transitional period."
The board is working with the North Missouri Rapid Response coordinator and community partners on a broader response, according to the Tuesday release. In a Wednesday email, Baugher said the board is finalizing plans for a Rapid Response event and will release more details once those plans are set. She did not give a date.
Workers permanently laid off when a business closes qualify for the board’s Dislocated Worker Program. The program offers skills assessments, training for a new occupation, on-the-job training, and job placement help, according to the board’s website.
Unemployment claims are filed with the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations at uinteract.labor.mo.gov. Benefits run up to $320 a week for no more than 20 weeks, according to the department.
Local businesses hiring can run free help-wanted ads aimed at displaced workers in the Macon County Home Press through March 1, the Chronicle reported Wednesday.
Heather Dolce, assistant commissioner for communications and outreach at the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, was asked Tuesday when the Rapid Response team will meet with Macon workers.