Los Angeles County will provide resources, job training and employment placement to hundreds of full-time workers and contractors impacted by the closure of Phillips 66’s refinery.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion on Tuesday, Dec. 3, that asked various county and other regional partners to develop an action plan aimed at ensuring those impacted will get much-needed career resources after being laid off once the refinery closes.
The approximately 650-acre sites in Wilmington and Carson are expected to be shut down in the fourth quarter of 2025, which will impact 600 full-time employees and 300 contractor positions.
“These workers are valued members of our community who have contributed to the local economy and raise families here,” Supervisor Janice Hahn said during the Tuesday meeting, “and I really believe that this is the time the county needs to lean in and support them as they face this abrupt transition.”
Hahn and Supervisor Holly Mitchell introduced the motion.
With the motion’s approval, the county’s Department of Economic Opportunity, Internal Services Department and Department of Human Resources will consult with various regional labor partners to develop an action plan to assist the impacted workers.
“I’m asking that the county act swiftly to provide displaced workers with upskilling opportunities and job placement assistance,” Hahn said. “This will help them seamlessly transition into high demand industries while maintaining financial stability for their families.”
The county will work with the city of Los Angeles and the South Bay Workforce Investment Board to host job fairs, expedite hiring processes, and leverage emergency workforce resources.
The motion also asks various county departments to offer displaced refinery workers training and job placement in “hard-to-hire” skilled trade positions within the county itself.
“I just want all the workers to know that I myself am committed to identifying and matching these workers to immediate job opportunities within the county,” Hahn said, “for skilled trade roles in ISD, Public Works and our Fire Department.”
The response plan will also leverage the “Preparing for Los Angeles County Employment” (PLACE) program, which matches people with specific skills to county employment opportunities.
“We have the responsibility to ensure that this place work displaced workers can smoothly transition to similar high road jobs.” Mitchell said Tuesday. “I think that’s a key element for me — not just by partnering with private sector, but also by opening up the doors here at the county to pathways.”
Phillips 66 announced the closure of its local refinery in October. The company’s CEO, Mark Lashier, said in a statement at the time that the decision was a result of “long-term sustainability of our Los Angeles Refinery (being) uncertain and affected by market dynamics.”
The company also said in its statement that Phillips 66 is working with real estate development firms to determine the area’s future.
“These sites,” Lashier said in the statement, “offer an opportunity to create a transformational project that can support the environment, generate economic development, create jobs and improve the region’s critical infrastructure.”
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