By: Melody Simmons

In an effort to help 720 workers laid off from RG Steel navigate the upcoming months of uncertainty, Baltimore County officials have scheduled a Jan. 12 forum in Dundalk to highlight unemployment and health insurance issues.

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz announced the outreach forum Thursday, two weeks after RG Steel employees received news of a minimum three-month furlough after the company idled the Sparrows Point “L” blast furnace.

“This is a stressful time for RG Steel workers and their families,” Kamenetz said. “Baltimore County and the United Steel Workers have come together to help RG Steel workers find the services they need to help deal with financial, emotional and career issues.”

The four-hour forum will begin at 11 a.m. at the United Steelworkers Union Local 9477 Hall located at 550 Dundalk Ave. Presentations will focus on unemployment insurance, union benefits and healthcare benefits.

Employees will also be able to access more personal information about coping with stress, housing assistance and foreclosure prevention, career services and educational opportunities.

Since RG Steel announced the layoffs, county officials have been working with steel workers union officials and state and federal agencies to assist employees, Kamenetz said.

Last month, the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation set up a  dedicated hotline to speed up unemployment claims for idled Sparrows Point steelworkers. That number is 410-853-1700.