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ETA News Release: [06/02/2008]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Terry Shawn
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 08-0749-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces more than $5.2 million to assist dislocated airline workers in Hawaii

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $5,220,500 grant, with an initial release of $3,269,812, to Hawaii to assist approximately 710 workers affected by the discontinuation of passenger airline services at ATA Airlines and Aloha Airlines, both located in Honolulu.

"This grant will provide immediate assistance to Hawaii residents that have been affected by these layoffs," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "The state of Hawaii is working hard to ensure these workers have access to important re-employment services that will help them get back to work as quickly as possible."

On March 31, Aloha Airlines issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) announcing that it was immediately ending passenger services and laying off workers throughout the state. On April 4, ATA Airlines issued a WARN announcing it had discontinued passenger airline services and begun laying off workers.

The grant, awarded to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, will provide affected workers with a range of re-employment services, including skills assessment, individual career counseling, and career and occupational skills training.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.