Proposed rule seeks to enhance access to jobs, benefits and protections for US workers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $8,397,127 grant to assist about 1,500 workers affected by layoffs at General Motors Spring Hill Assembly Plant in Spring Hill, Tenn. Workers dislocated from the plant are covered by the grant, as are workers from four supplier companies: Johnson Controls, MAPA Spontex, Penske Logistics and Premier Manufacturing Services.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending March 12, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 385,000, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 401,000. The 4-week moving average was 386,250, a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week's revised average of 393,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent for the week ending March 5, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.0 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced two grant competitions for the National Farmworker Jobs Program. One competition will fund organizations that will provide training, the other housing services, to migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending March 5, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 397,000, an increase of 26,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 371,000. The 4-week moving average was 392,250, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's revised average of 389,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent for the week ending Feb. 26, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.0 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,570,907 grant to assist about 400 workers affected by the closing of Sonoco Packaging Products in Devens, Mass., and layoffs at Debbie's Staffing in Ayer, Mass.

"Many of these workers – who have lost jobs through no fault of their own – face significant language and education barriers to new employment," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant will make available the services they need to re-enter the workforce."

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,288,296 National Emergency Grant increment to continue providing re-employment and retraining services to about 1,000 workers affected by layoffs at Micron Technology Inc. located in Boise, Idaho.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Feb. 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 368,000, a decrease of 20,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 388,000. The 4-week moving average was 388,500, a decrease of 12,750 from the previous week's revised average of 401,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent for the week ending Feb. 19, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's revised rate of 3.1 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $40 million for Enhanced Transitional Jobs Demonstration grants to help individuals with significant barriers to employment obtain the skills they need through work opportunities.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $6,116,896 National Emergency Grant to assist about 1,450 workers impacted by 2005 Base Realignment and Closure actions that resulted in multiple military base realignments in Texas. The grant will provide retraining and re-employment services to dislocated workers as well as military spouses.

31 programs in 20 states to share more than $30 million

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an award of $30,696,643 for its YouthBuild programs. Funds will be shared among 31 programs that prepare out-of-school youth across the United States for careers through hands-on construction training, and high school completion and General Educational Development programs.

PHILADELPHIA – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced the availability of approximately $17 million in funds for two grants to support the employment prospects of young offenders, ages 16 to 24, in high-poverty, high-crime communities.

"Our nation's young people are one of our greatest resources," said Secretary Solis. "Helping to improve the job prospects of young offenders is one of the best ways to reduce recidivism while strengthening America's future."

PHILADELPHIA – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced a solicitation for grant applications for the national Career Pathways Innovation Fund Grant Program. Over the next year, the department will award approximately $122 million through this program, including $65 million for health care-focused projects, and intends to fund 40 to 50 grants ranging from $1 million to $5 million each.

Funds also will allow state to upgrade existing benefit payment system

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $744,000 grant to provide partial premium payments for health insurance coverage to about 150 jobless workers in New Hampshire. Funds also will be used to upgrade the state's existing benefit payment system.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Feb. 19, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 391,000, a decrease of 22,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 413,000. The 4-week moving average was 402,000, a decrease of 16,500 from the previous week's revised average of 418,500.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent for the week ending Feb. 12, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.1 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced an $11,267,940 National Emergency Grant to assist with clean-up and recovery efforts following heavy storms that caused high winds and excessive precipitation throughout California from mid-December 2010 through early January 2011.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the Green Jobs Innovation Fund competition to support opportunities for workers to receive job training in green industry sectors and occupations. Through this competition, the department will award approximately $40 million to support five to eight grantees with awards ranging from $5 million to $8 million each. Eligible applicants will include national and statewide organizations with local affiliates that have existing career training programs and will benefit a minimum of six communities per grant.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending Feb. 12, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 410,000, an increase of 25,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 385,000. The 4-week moving average was 417,750, an increase of 1,750 from the previous week's revised average of 416,000.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.1 percent for the week ending Feb. 5, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.1 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $4,883,709 grant to assist about 1,000 workers affected by layoffs and closures at 21 companies in multiple industries, including three auto suppliers, located throughout Kentucky.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $11.7 million in grant funds to serve adult offenders who are returning from incarceration to high-poverty, high-crime communities. The purpose of these grants is to provide an employment-centered approach to reintegration that improves long-term labor market prospects for ex-offenders.