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ETA News Release: [09/06/2007]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Jennifer Coxe
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 07-1348-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $1.2 million to assist Rhode Island workers

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a grant of $1,224,099, with $685,497 released initially, to assist approximately 246 Rhode Island workers who have been dislocated as a result of layoffs at the Brooks Eckerd corporate offices located in Warwick, R.I.

"This $1.2 million grant will provide these Rhode Island workers with skills training and other employment services to help them find and succeed in new jobs," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The grant, awarded to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, will provide workers with a full array of employment services, including assessment, basic skills development, and career and occupational skills training.

On June 5, 2007, Brooks Eckerd announced the company would begin layoffs in August 2007 that are expected to continue through May 2008. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training conducted Rapid Response sessions for employees on June 6 and 7 to inform workers of the assistance available to them through the public workforce system.

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 on these grants, please visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.