ETA News Release: [December 6, 2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post or Public Affairs
Phone Number: 202-693-3984 or 202-693-4676
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Nearly $2.9 Million for Dislocated Workers in Massachusetts
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to nearly $2.9 million to assist dislocated workers in Massachusetts. The grant will have an initial release of $328,067.
"The President and I want to ensure that dislocated workers get the training and assistance they need to prepare for new and better careers," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This grant will help approximately 300 workers affected by layoffs from Fleet/Bank of America in Massachusetts with an array of services including assessment, individualized occupational skills training, on-the-job training, job readiness assistance and supportive services."
Awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, the grant will tailor services to meet the needs of these workers who possess highly specialized skills. Training and other assistance will attempt to leverage these skills to meet the needs of local employers and result in jobs paying comparable wages for participants.
The layoffs, which began in April and are projected to continue through 2005, are attributed to the acquisition of Fleet Bank by the Bank of America. Services are available to workers in all Massachusetts counties.
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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