Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2003-02-27, Gov. Easley Signs Unemployment Benefits Bill for Major Industrial Disasters, West Pharmaceutical Employees to See Quicker Relief

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Ernie Seneca Date: February 27, 2003 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY SIGNS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS BILL FOR MAJOR INDUSTRIAL DISASTERS, WEST PHARMACEUTICAL EMPLOYEES TO SEE QUICKER RELIEF RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today signed legislation to waive waiting periods for extending unemployment benefits when major industrial disasters occur, a move that will provide quicker relief to workers at West Pharmaceuticals of Kinston. “This legislation ensures that affected employees will receive unemployment benefits a week earlier than in the past,” Easley said. “The Jan. 29 explosion and fire at West Pharmaceuticals brought this issue to the forefront, and I commend the General Assembly for moving this legislation through expeditiously.” “We appreciate the company providing paychecks until the end of the month, and now we can step in and provide uninterrupted benefits to these Kinston workers,” Easley said. “A steady source of income during such difficult times is critical to the workers, their families and their communities.” Approved on Thursday, Senate Bill 8 gives the governor the authority to direct the N.C. Employment Security Commission to waive the one-week waiting period for employees of a manufacturer that suffered a major industrial disaster. The waiver is for instances where “substantially all of the physical facilities of a manufacturing plant” are destroyed. ### Governor's Press Office State Capitol. Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166