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ETA News Release: [05/28/2003]
Contact Name: Elissa Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Grant Will Aid Dislocated Oklahoma Workers

Chao Announces National Emergency Grant of over $292,000 to Supplement Re-employment Programs

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced a National Emergency Grant of over $292,000 that will aid 206 dislocated Oklahoma workers affected by lay-offs at BMK, Inc.; BioMerieux, Inc.; Ceco Door Products; Hormel Foods; Xerox Corporation and Consolidated Freightways.

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.

“The President and I are committed to helping displaced workers access the job and skills training they need to find new jobs that will enable them to provide for themselves and their families,” Chao said. “We hope these funds will be deployed as quickly as possible to help these Oklahoma workers.”

The grant projects deliver critical help to unemployed Oklahoma citizens, underscoring one of the main goals of the President’s economic agenda. The project will be operated by the Oklahoma City Workforce Center and will supplement existing re-employment programs including: job search assistance, job development, job placement, basic skills training and counseling.

“Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration,” said Chao.

For more information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs please go to www.dol.gov.

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