U.S. Department of Labor announces nearly $2 million grant to provide assistance to trade-affected workers in Oregon

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,891,738 grant to assist approximately 651 trade-affected workers of Hynix Semiconductor Manufacturing America Inc. in Eugene, Ore.

"This $1.9 million grant will provide these Oregonians with skills training that will help them attain positions in the health care and information technology industries," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

This grant, awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, will offer all affected workers access to the full array of dislocated worker services. Under the grant, workers that have been certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) will be provided with access to services that are not available through the TAA program. These services will include training for skills needed for occupations in the health care and information technology industries.

Hynix Semiconductor began layoffs on Aug. 1, 2008, which continued through Sept. 30, 2008.

Of the $1,891,738 announced today, $945,918 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

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 www.doleta.gov/NEG.

Archived News Release – Caution: Information may be out of date.