About 100 workers were affected by the retail industry layoffs at the Joe's Sports, Outdoor, Auto/Truck and More, manufacturer of sporting goods, outdoor equipment, automotive supplies, and general merchandise in Wilsonville, Ore. The U.S. Department of Labor announced a grant of $1,137,425 to provide assistance to these workers.
The vital part of this mission of
U.S. Department of Labor was to provide the workers with training opportunities, which would not only lead to new career options but also to a stronger economy, said the Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. She also added that the purpose of the governments financial assistance was to provide the Oregonians with necessary
re-employment and retraining services, which would help them procure good jobs in promising regional industries.
The Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development was awarded the grant, which would be managed by the Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County. Affected workers will be provided access to dislocated worker services, such as skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling, and occupational skills training through this grant.
An analysis by the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development revealed that job vacancies were available in several fields, including medical, human resources, business administration, criminal justice, and hospitality fields.
Many workers of Joe's Sports, Outdoor, Auto/Truck and More went unemployed due to the closure of the corporate offices, distribution center, and retail stores on June 15, 2009. Of the $1,137,425 grant announced, $863,865 will be released initially as a measure to aid these workers.
The National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has facilitated resources for the initially dispersed amount. When the state expresses future need of monetary assistance; further release of the approved funds will be exercised.
