Governor's Dislocated Worker Task Force

The Governor's Dislocated Worker Task Force (GDWTF) was established in 1983 to help Arkansas meet changing work force needs and compete more effectively in a global economy. The Task Force is charged with addressing the needs and concerns of communities and individuals affected by worker dislocation. Although the original funding source for the Task Force was the Emergency Jobs Act, it is currently funded under Title III of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), the Economic Dislocation and Worker Adjustment Assistance Act (EDWAA).

The Governor's Dislocated Worker Task Force (GDWTF) unites the expertise of the Department of Workforce Services (ESD), the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), the Arkansas American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), and the Department of Workforce Education (DWE).

Through a statewide network and through monitoring of Labor Market Information, the Task Force identifies most permanent closings and substantial layoffs in advance. Whenever possible, the Task Force begins immediately to work with the company, the community, and the affected individuals to lessen the impact of dislocation.

Immediately upon receiving notice of a permanent closure or a substantial layoff, the Task Force contacts company officials. Whenever possible, a community meeting is scheduled with elected officials and business leaders to create action plans to assist both the community and the dislocated worker.

The Task Force conducts a Worker Assistance Workshop, attended by representatives of local and state agencies and affected workers to review the programs and assistance available to them. Services and needs discussed at the workshop include retraining and educational opportunities, unemployment insurance, social service programs, stress associated with unemployment, credit counseling, insurance needs, and tips on how to find a new job.

The Task Force operates mobile career resource centers which are transported as needed to the area of dislocation. A course of instruction is individually designed for each dislocated worker in order to enhance employability skills. Workers are provided assistance in resume and letter of application preparation, as well as interviewing techniques. A resource library is available which includes videotapes, out-of-state newspapers, state manufacturers directories, and publications on job search methods in today's labor market. Instructors also provide assessment, counseling, and development of an individual re-employment plan.

Other services available to dislocated workers include: (1) Information and assistance in applying for Trade Adjustment Assistance and NAFTA benefits in situations where workers are dislocated due to foreign trade; (2) enrollment in a Job Search Workshop, an intensive program designed to provide assistance in such areas as interviewing techniques, resume preparation, letters of application, and role playing; and (3) Self-service centers operated by ESD throughout the state, where workers may access up-to-date job openings in Arkansas and the Nation on the Internet through Arkansas' Job Bank and America's Job Bank, respectively.

Plant Closure and Layoff Totals
July 1, 2002, through June 16, 2003

Number of Companies: 76
Number of Workers: 6,727

Department of Workforce Services (ESD)

ESD is the lead agency and grant recipient for the GDWTF under JTPA Title III for EDWAA program activities. Charged with overall responsibility for the program, ESD contracts with the AEDC, AFL-CIO, and DWE to provide specific services and/or to define the roles of each agency. Whenever a covered dislocation is identified, ESD contacts the company immediately and provides Rapid Response Assistance under EDWAA. Covered dislocation events include the following:

(1) a substantial layoff, defined as any reduction-in-force
which is not the result of a plant closing and which results in an employment loss at a single site of employment during any 30-day period for:

(a) (1) At least 33 percent of the employees (excluding
employees regularly working less than 20 hours per week); and

(2) At least 50 employees (excluding employees regularly working less than 20 hours per week); or

(b) At least 500 employees (excluding employees regularly working less than 20 hours per week); or

(2) a layoff which does not meet the criteria for a substantial layoff, but which results in an employment loss at a single site of employment during any 30-day period for at least 50 employees (excluding employees regularly working less than 20 hours per week); or

(3) a business closure of 50 or more employees; or

.

Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC)

AEDC promotes economic growth in the state through expansion of existing industry and creation of new jobs. AEDC includes information about the Task Force and its services in their training to certify communities in their community development program. AEDC's role on the Task Force is to work with employers to avert layoffs, market buildings or provide information on new and expanding industries which can be used for placement of dislocated workers.

Arkansas AFL-CIO

The Arkansas AFL-CIO is responsible for conducting Worker Assistance Workshops. These workshops are conducted for dislocated workers and are attended by representatives of local and state agencies. Workers are presented with information on programs and assistance available to them. Each worker receives a packet of information on such services as: retraining and educational opportunities; unemployment insurance; social service programs; stress associated with unemployment; credit counseling; insurance needs; and tips on how to find a new job.

The Arkansas AFL-CIO was selected to provide expertise in situations involving organized labor.

Department of Workforce Education (DWE)

DWE is the educational arm of the Task Force, providing intake, certification, enrollment, assessment, counseling, and follow-up services for dislocated workers. DWE administers the System For Group Evaluation (SAGE) assessment battery, conducts individual counseling sessions, and prepares an Individual Re-employment Plan for participants assessed with the SAGE. DWE also operates three mobile career resource centers which are transported as needed to the area of dislocation. A course of instruction is individually designed for each dislocated worker in order to enhance employability skills. Workers are provided assistance in resume and letter of application preparation, as well as interviewing techniques. A resource library is available which includes videotapes, out-of-state newspapers, state manufacturing directories and publications on job search methods in today's labor markets.

Should you require additional information about the Governor's Dislocated Worker Task Force, contact Billy Vanlandingham , Coordinator, at 501-682-5217.