US Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $459,000 to assist workers in Oregon affected by air filtration industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $459,844 grant to assist about 80 workers affected by layoffs at Cleanpak International Inc. in Clackamas, Ore.

"As our nation recovers from the recent economic downturn, we must remain diligent in our outreach and support efforts targeting workers who have lost jobs through no fault of their own," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant will ensure that these Oregonians can access retraining and re-employment services, which will help get them back on their feet through good jobs that pay family-supporting wages."

Awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, this grant will be operated by the Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County. The grant will provide these dislocated workers, all of whom are also certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance, with access to "wrap-around" and supportive services, such as dependent care and transportation assistance, which are not available through the TAA program.

Cleanpak International Inc. laid off about 158 workers between Oct. 16 and Dec. 1, 2009.

This grant will be 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/.