U.S. Department of Labor announces more than $578,000 to assist workers in Oregon affected by hydraulics industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $578,574 grant to assist approximately 50 workers affected by layoffs at Sauer Danfoss Inc. in Hillsboro, Ore.

"The professionalism and commitment to quality of the American manufacturing workforce is unparalleled," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These workers deserve our support as they seek to upgrade current skills or enter training leading to good jobs in growing industries."

Awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, this grant will be operated by Worksystems Inc. The grant will provide affected workers with access to the full array of employment-related services. Under this grant, the 50 workers also eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) will have access to "wrap-around" services such as skills assessment, counseling, job search assistance, job placement assistance and follow-up not available through TAA. Supportive services such as dependent care, transportation assistance and relocation assistance may also be provided.

Sauer Danfoss Inc., one of the largest manufacturers in the hydraulics industry, closed on April 30, 2009.

This grant is being funded by 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/.