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ETA News Release: [06/26/2008]
Contact Name: Terry Shawn or Jennifer Kaplan
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x5052
Release Number: 08-881-SEA

U.S. Department of Labor announces nearly $855,000 grant to assist trade-affected workers in Oregon

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an $854,667 grant to the state of Oregon to assist approximately 130 workers affected by the closure of multiple manufacturing plants. Many of the impacted workers previously have been certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).

"Oregonians experiencing these layoffs need access to re-employment assistance to prepare for new careers," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell. "The benefits available through the Trade Adjustment Assistance program and the services this grant provides will help these workers get back to work as quickly as possible."

On February 18, Bright Wood Corp. informed its employees that the company would close its Bend, Madras and Redmond manufacturing plants and terminate all jobs at those facilities. All affected workers at each of these locations have been certified as eligible for TAA.

On February 21, Warm Springs Forest Products Industries issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification announcing the closure and the termination of all jobs at its Warm Springs plant.

The grant, awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, will provide workers with services not covered under the TAA program, including skills assessment, career counseling and case management. Services and benefits available under TAA may include training, job search allowances, relocation allowances and a health coverage tax credit, among others.

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.