News Release

Printer-Friendly Version

ESA News Release: [08/18/2003]
Contact Name: Ed Frank
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $5 Million Grant for Dislocated Massachusetts Workers

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of more than $5 million to aid approximately 800 workers laid off from 22 companies in the state’s south central region. Of the total, $2 million will be immediately available.

“Helping workers who have lost their jobs is a top priority,” Chao said. “This Administration is committed to help displaced workers access the jobs and skills training they need to find new jobs. We hope these funds will be distributed quickly to help these workers. We will not be satisfied until every worker who wants to work can find a job.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary’s discretionary fund. A grant is awarded after a state or local workforce investment board submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met. The project will be operated by the Metro South/West Employment and Training and Workforce Central, which serve Middlesex, Norfolk and Worcester Counties. Among the re-employment services offered are: job search assistance, job development, job placement, basic skills training and counseling.

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

# # #

_________________________________________________________________