U.S. Department of Labor announces a nearly $987,000 grant to assist workers in Oregon affected by computer-industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $986,796 grant to assist approximately 249 workers affected by layoffs at Hewlett-Packard (HP) Co. in Corvallis, Ore.

"The recent downsizing at Hewlett-Packard represents a significant loss of production workers in this region of Oregon," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant will allow affected employees to access the necessary training and services to find employment soon."

Today's grant will be awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development. All of the targeted workers also have been certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). Under this grant, workers will have access to services that are not available through the TAA program, including skills assessment, counseling, case management, job-search assistance, job-placement assistance and follow-up services.

HP announced on Aug. 20, 2008, that layoffs were pending at the Corvallis facility. The first dislocation event followed on Sept. 7, 2008. Another round of layoffs is scheduled for May 30, 2009.

The Community Services Consortium (CSC) will operate the grant. CSC is a nonprofit community action agency that helps Oregonians in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties to overcome poverty by providing services that assist individuals in becoming productive and self-sufficient.

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 http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.