U.S. Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $643,000 to assist workers in Oregon affected by layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $643,661 grant to assist approximately 90 workers affected by layoffs at GE Security Inc. located in Tualatin, Ore. On Jan. 8, the company announced the permanent modification of operations at the Tualatin facility, resulting in significant layoffs.

"Today's grant will allow these workers to access the employment and training services necessary to gain re-employment in growing regional industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

All workers targeted for services also have been certified by the Labor Department as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). Through today's grant, the workers will be provided with access to "wrap-around" services that are not available through the TAA program. These include career counseling, job search assistance, job placement and follow-up services.

This grant will be awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development and operated by Worksystems Inc., a nonprofit organization working to build a comprehensive workforce development system that supports individual prosperity and business competitiveness.

Funding will be awarded through resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

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.