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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 693-4650
In a novel alliance between business and government, Bell Atlantic has
agreed to fill new entry level jobs through the state employment services. The
agreement between Bell Atlantic and the U.S. Labor Department, which funds the
state systems, is heralded as a milestone for the new workforce development
system dubbed America's Jobs Network created by the Workforce Investment Act of
1998.
"This step by Bell Atlantic is exactly what we hoped for with the new
jobs network," Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman said. "It means that
corporate America recognizes the value of the system we're building and is
willing to commit to ensuring its success."
"This agreement will create a whole new pipeline of future workers while
reducing our costs to find and hire qualified workers," said Ivan G.
Seidenberg, chairman and CEO of Bell Atlantic. "Over the next year, at least
2,000 good-paying, union-represented jobs with Bell Atlantic will go to people
who have not traditionally been part of the workforce people on welfare, laid
off workers, disadvantaged youth and adults and people with disabilities."
The agreement covers jobs in Bell Atlantic's eastern seaboard service
area, including Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine
and the District of Columbia. The jobs will be as customer service
representatives, equipment technicians, operators and telemarketing
representatives.
Bell Atlantic will identify the jobs and the qualifications required.
The state workforce development agencies will recruit and screen applicants and
provide any pre-employment training that may be needed. Bell Atlantic will
provide on-the-job training for its new employees.
By going through the state employment and training system, these job
opportunities are more likely to reach people who are struggling to find work.
The agreement between the Labor Department and Bell Atlantic is supported by
the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers, which represent Bell Atlantic employees.
The Workforce Development Act, signed by President Clinton last year,
required states to reorganize their employment and training systems to better
serve workers and coordinate more closely with employers in the development of
training programs. The objective is to increase employment opportunities by
training workers for the jobs that are available. The law replaced the Job
Training Partnership Act. States have until next July to conform to the new
law.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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