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Partner4Work and its Board of Directors are committed to supporting social justice reform, empowering Black communities, and creating the pathways and mechanisms that allow for Black and Brown residents to have life-sustaining employment, access to advancement opportunities, and the business support needed to compete in the marketplace.
Under the leadership of business, labor, philanthropy, education, and economic development, the Ready to Work COVID Recovery Response Coalition continues to develop and drive the strategy and action steps to lead the region through the crisis and in the days ahead. This work provides the framework for mobilizing leadership, resources, and action across the city and county.
Source: Pittsburgh Business Times
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By Earl Buford and David J. Malone for the Pittsburgh Business Times
April 22, 2020
On Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf Governor Tom Wolf announced the PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I)'s plan to implement federal unemployment compensation benefits provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act temporarily provides an additional $600 per week, makes self-employed, independent contractors and gig workers eligible for benefits, and extends unemployment compensation (UC) benefits for an additional 13 weeks. A summary of Gov. Wolf's announcement can be found in Partner4Work's most recent policy briefing.
Click here for additional updates and information.
This COVID-19-related policy briefing focuses on key updates from the CARES Act to the unemployment benefits program. This information is largely based on federal guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) on April 2.
A little more than a week since the CARES Act was signed into law, American businesses and workers look to understand key items including small business relief through the Paycheck Protection Program, stimulus payments, and expanded unemployment compensation benefits. Locally, agencies including the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Neighborhood Allies and others have mobilized to help small businesses learn about and access the resources provided through the Act. At the same time, Partner4Work (P4W) and its partners drive critical workforce decision-making for the benefit of businesses, workers, and partners in Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh.
On Friday, President Trump signed into law a more than $2 trillion stimulus bill with a wide-ranging impact on businesses and workers. Specifically, the action will put cash in the hands of taxpayers, expand access to unemployment compensation, and provide relief to businesses. At the same time, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a number of bills in response to COVID-19 regarding UC, education, and the primary. We understand these are trying times for our businesses, our workers, and our partners, and we continue to drive critical workforce decision-making.
On March 27, the U.S. House followed the Senate in passing the third stimulus package this month, which is expected to cost more than $2 trillion. The bill has been signed into law by the President. Read more about the bill and state policy updates.
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.
Like you, Partner4Work is monitoring reports of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and is following the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) to mitigate exposure and spread.
The safety of our staff, partners, and the community is our first priority; however, Partner4Work is committed to providing critical workforce services to our community. This page includes important information and will be updated as needed.
Following the lead of Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, area business leaders, and CDC guidance, the Learn & Earn kickoff luncheon for Monday, March 16 has been canceled due to ongoing concerns over the rapid spread of the coronavirus.
Ensuring the wellbeing of our partners, providers, staff and fellow community members is our greatest priority. We are currently working to identify opportunities to celebrate Learn & Earn's kickoff later with a wider audience.
While we are disappointed, we are committed to selecting a new opportunity to highlight another year of Learn & Earn and will be sure to announce the changes as soon as they occur. Please follow us on our social channels to receive all and any updates.
Thank you for your understanding.
Partner4Work joins a coalition of union workers and leadership from across Pittsburgh’s industrial sector who announced the creation of Pittsburgh Works Together, an initiative intended to support industrial job growth and push back against the negative image they feel industries like steel, natural gas, and construction have been unfairly given.