More than 100 employers signed up for the Sept. 2 hiring event. Job centers in Rock Island and Davenport continue to offer résumé, training and unemployment assistance.
Updated Sept. 3, 2026.
MOLINE, Illinois — Workers affected by the Tyson Foods plant closure in Joslin are still looking for new jobs after more than 100 employers joined a hiring and resource event Wednesday at Vibrant Arena at The MARK in Moline.
The Sept. 2 event connected displaced workers with employers from the Quad Cities and nearby communities. Christine Caves of Grow Quad Cities said workers met with about 100 local companies. Other employers also came from outside the immediate region.
Manufacturing and food production jobs were well represented. However, workers also found openings in health care, hospitality and other industries. Workshops covered unemployment benefits, workforce programs, health insurance and retirement.
The job fair has ended. Still, workers can continue to get job, training and financial assistance through workforce offices on both sides of the Mississippi River.
Tyson ended operations at its Joslin beef facility Aug. 14, affecting 2,495 employees. Workers covered by the company’s closure notices are scheduled to remain on the payroll through Oct. 12. Individual circumstances may vary.
Related: Tyson Joslin beef plant has closed, affecting about 2,500 union jobs
Rock Island and Davenport job centers remain open after the fair
Workers can still visit the American Job Center in Rock Island. The office offers résumé help, interview preparation, career planning, job searches and referrals to training programs.
It serves workers in Rock Island, Henry and Mercer counties.
- Address: 500 42nd St., Suite 6, Rock Island, IL 61201
- Phone: 309-429-6429
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, IowaWORKS Davenport provides similar help on the Iowa side of the Quad Cities. Services include one-on-one career assistance, résumé building, workshops, unemployment assistance and connections to job training.
- Address: 1801 E. Kimberly Road, Suite A, Davenport, IA 52807
- Phone: 563-445-3200
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In addition, workers affected by the closure can use the Illinois workNet Tyson layoff assistance page for current Rapid Response resources.
WIOA funding can help pay for approved job training
Some workers may decide to train for a different occupation. In those cases, assistance may be available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA.
For approved programs, WIOA funding can help pay for tuition, books, fees and required equipment. It can also cover some testing and licensing costs.
However, funding is not automatic. Applicants must meet program rules and select an approved training program. Assistance also depends on available funds.
The American Job Center holds WIOA information sessions on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at its Rock Island office.
Illinois accepts unemployment claims from eligible workers living in Iowa
Some former Tyson employees worked in Illinois but live in Iowa. Those workers can still file an unemployment claim against Illinois if they meet eligibility requirements.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security allows out-of-state residents to file online or contact Claimant Services at 800-244-5631.
In addition, people who live outside Illinois must register with the employment service in the state where they live.
Continued wages, severance or other payments can affect unemployment benefits. Therefore, workers filing a claim must report that compensation as required.
Moline lists food, housing and health resources for affected households
Employment is not the only issue facing households affected by the closure. The City of Moline also lists resources for food, rent, utilities, health care, insurance, legal assistance and mental health services.
Residents who are unsure which program may apply can call 211. The service provides free referrals to local food, housing, utility, health and employment resources.
For now, workers covered by Tyson’s closure notices are scheduled to remain on the company’s payroll through Oct. 12, 2026. Job and training services in Rock Island and Davenport remain available after the Sept. 2 hiring fair.
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