US Department of Labor announces grant to assist Federal Reserve workers affected by Pittsburgh branch layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $504,000 National Emergency Grant to provide re-employment services to about 115 workers affected by layoffs at the Pittsburgh branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

"This federal grant will assist workers in Pittsburgh who lost their jobs through no fault of their own," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These workers will receive re-employment services and training to help them obtain jobs in Pittsburgh's growing industries."

Awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the grant will be operated by the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board. In March, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland informed employees at the Pittsburgh branch that its U.S. Savings Bonds operations would be consolidated with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, resulting in the layoff of 226 workers in May and June.

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/.