Workshare Grant, Dec. 15

The Oregon Employment Department has received a grant for almost $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant will be used to enhance the Work Share program. Recently the Oregon Employment Department worked with the governor and legislature to improve the current Work Share program. This collaborative process gave the department the opportunity to apply for and receive this grant. Work Share is a program that offers an alternative to laying off employees for employers facing economic difficulty. Through Work Share, an employer can reduce the number of hours an employee works and that employee can receive a partial unemployment benefit payment to supplement for lost wages. This helps the employer retain skilled employees during a slowdown, and it allows workers keep their jobs while supplementing their income. In addition, the program eases the strain on local economies, which suffer when layoffs occur. So far in 2014, 115 employers have participated in the Work Share program involving more than 2,000 workers. The Oregon Employment Department has paid out more than $1.3 million in unemployment benefits to these workers. The grant will be used to enhance the current program, streamlining the process for employers. A portion of the grant will also be used to reach out to employers, making them aware of the benefits of the Work Share program. More information about the Work Share program can be found on the department’s website at www.Employment.Oregon.gov, or by calling the department toll free at (800) 237-3710 ext. 7164.