ETA News Release: [June 30, 2004]
Contact Name: Ed Frank
Phone Number: 202-693-4658
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Grant to Aid
Dislocated Workers in Massachusetts
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of $211,675 in supplemental funds to continue assistance to workers dislocated from Merck-Medco Rx Services facility in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
"The unemployment rate in Massachusetts has dropped from 5.8 to 5.2 percent over the last year, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This is good news, but the President and I want to be sure that no worker is left behind. This grant will provide re-employment assistance, training and skills upgrading to these workers as they prepare for new opportunities."
Awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, the grant ensures that approximately 62 workers currently enrolled in training can continue receiving assistance. Many of the workers involved have limited English proficiency and are in need of additional training to improve their opportunities for long-term employment.
The Commonwealth was awarded $1.2 million in June of 2002 to assist workers affected by the closure of the Merck-Medco plant in Lawrence.
Project participants may receive employment-transition assistance and supportive services that may include childcare, transportation assistance and job related certifications, equipment and uniforms.
National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary's discretionary fund. A grant is awarded after a state submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met.
For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.
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