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ETA News Release: [08/17/2004]
Contact Name: Ed Frank
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

U.S. Department of Labor Announces More than $230,000
In Aid for Dislocated Workers in Oregon

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of $230,176 to aid 33 workers forced from their jobs by the closure of Sykes Enterprises call center in Klamath Falls, Ore. This grant is in addition to $1,123,656 awarded to 151 Sykes employees last November in the wake of earlier layoffs.

“The unemployment rate in Oregon has dropped from 8.7 percent to 6.9 percent over the last year,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “While this represents an improving employment picture, the Bush Administration wants to make sure that no worker is left behind. This grant of $230,176 will provide important employment and training assistance to help workers transition into new careers.”

The grant, awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, provides individual counseling, career planning, employment development, classroom training, on-the-job training, relocation assistance and supportive services.

Klamath County workers are covered by this grant, which is operated by the Klamath-Lake Employment Training Institute, Inc.

National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines.

For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.

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