News Summary

Following a significant chemical explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland, LA, dozens of employees have been laid off permanently. The layoffs, announced in an email, do not include severance pay and have left many workers struggling to cope with the sudden loss of income. The Louisiana Workforce Commission is assisting affected workers with unemployment benefits, and support sessions are being organized to help them seek new employment opportunities. Smitty’s Supply is also facing lawsuits and is cooperating with environmental recovery efforts.

Roseland Sees Dozens of Job Losses Following Chemical Explosion

Roseland, LA – Dozens of employees have been laid off from Smitty’s Supply following a significant chemical explosion and fire that occurred last week. This incident has left many without jobs, as the layoffs are permanent and notably do not include severance pay for the affected workers.

Details of the Layoffs

Former employees were officially notified of their job status through an email stating that “as of Friday the 22nd everyone has been laid off.” In a limited consolation, these workers will receive compensation for any unused vacation time. The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) has confirmed that they are assisting 80 of the affected employees with unemployment benefits as they navigate this sudden loss of income.

Company Response and Community Impact

Smitty’s Supply has publicly apologized to the local community and its workforce for the disruption caused by the chemical explosion. The company has expressed concern about the upheaval this incident has resulted in for residents of Roseland and is grateful that, despite the severity of the situation, there were no reported injuries.

Legal Actions and Environmental Concerns

In the wake of the explosion, Smitty’s Supply is facing five lawsuits, underscoring the serious ramifications of the incident. The company is currently cooperating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is involved in the cleanup and recovery efforts to mitigate any lasting environmental impacts from the fire.

Support for Affected Workers

To aid those impacted by the layoffs, the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Rapid Response Team has organized several Q&A sessions aimed at connecting former employees with reemployment resources. These sessions will involve representatives from Geaux Jobs and the Unemployment Insurance Department, focusing on essential topics such as training grants, resume building, webinars, unemployment benefits, and community health resources.

The first Q&A session is set for Thursday, Sept. 4, at 9 a.m. in Amite City, with additional meetings scheduled throughout the day. These sessions are crucial for helping affected workers seek new employment opportunities and access available resources.

Future Commitments from Smitty’s Supply

Despite the unfolding challenges, Smitty’s Supply has reiterated its commitment to rebuilding within the Roseland community. The company acknowledges its role as one of the largest employers in the area and is focused on recovering from this incident while preparing to support its workforce and local residents moving forward.

Conclusion

The situation at Smitty’s Supply illustrates the immediate impact of industrial accidents on both employees and the larger community. As the fallout from the explosion continues, efforts are being made to support those affected and ensure that they have access to necessary resources for reemployment and recovery.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WWLTV: Layoffs at Smitty’s Supply
• NOLA: Roseland Smitty’s Supply Explosion
• Shreveport Times: Chemical Explosion at Smitty’s Supply
• WDSU: Louisiana Roseland Business Explosion
• NewsNation: Massive Fire in Louisiana
• Wikipedia: Chemical Explosion
• Google Search: Smitty’s Supply explosion
• Google Scholar: Environmental Impact Chemical Explosion
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Industrial Safety
• Google News: Roseland Explosion

Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.