An update from Earl Buford, CEO March 23, 2020

Information and resources related to COVID-19

Across the country, first-time unemployment claims soared last week as businesses and workers felt the effects of the COVID-19 crisis; Pennsylvania was no exception.  First-time unemployment claims in PA were reported at 353,644 for the week, with trends showing record-level claims again this week, particularly as Gov. Wolf implemented a stay-at-home order for Allegheny County. We understand these are trying times for our businesses, our workers, and our partners, and we continue to drive critical workforce decision-making.

• Over the weekend, and again today (March 23), Partner4Work (P4W) and representatives from Labor & Industry strategized immediate opportunities to mobilize the public workforce system to efficiently serve businesses and workers impacted by the crisis. Discussion points include leveraging PA CareerLink Pittsburgh/ Allegheny County staff to help individuals file unemployment claims and to quickly and efficiently help businesses find the talent necessary to meet demand. Also, P4W, its partners at the state, and local, state, and regional workforce boards are working to immediately leverage $100 million in national emergency funds from the US Department of Labor to mitigate loss as communities continue to navigate these challenging days. 
• We are collaborating with the Allegheny Conference on Community Development to form a continuous feedback loop to understand and respond nimbly to the needs of business and workers. A similar strategy with labor leaders and elected officials also is underway.
• Last week, Partner4Work received notice that it had been awarded more than $800,000 in PAsmart awards to support or advance work in the construction, manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare industries. This critical work not only is imperative now, but it will also be critical in the days ahead as the local economy rebounds once the pandemic subsides. P4W also will leverage the strength of the region’s philanthropic leaders to make an impact on the people we serve.
• We further understand that the work of our partners is more important than ever in ensuring the community comes through these challenging days. We are convening our partners virtually this week to provide critical updates and answer questions. We have built an online resource guide with critical information regarding unemployment, layoff aversion, food security and income assistance, and immediate hiring opportunities. The guide can be found here https://www.partner4work.org/ news/covid-19-resources/, and we encourage you to share this guide broadly. Please let us know of additional resources.
• Finally, we know this situation will have a longterm effect on the economy, and a potential reduction in traditional summer jobs could impact youth and their families. To that end, we are seeking your assistance in encouraging young applicants for the summer youth employment program, Learn & Earn. As in previous years, we aim to connect 2,000 young people with paid summer work experiences, thereby returning wages to the local economy. Your support to solicit applicants would be most appreciated. Please encourage young job seekers to apply at www.jobs4summer.org.

Please be well.

Earl Buford
Chief Executive Officer