KEDC sponsored two meetings on February 3rd to provide information on the Shared Work Program offered through Texas Workforce Commission. The first, sponsored by KEDC, was a lunch presentation offered to Kilgore industries. The second, sponsored in partnership with KEDC and Workforce Solutuions East Texas, was open to the public with invitations sent to Economic Development agencies throughout 23 counties of Northeast Texas. Approximately 40 people attended the afternoon presentation given by Terry Felps, Unemployment Insurance Field Specialist with Texas Workforce Commission. Shared Work compensation offers an alterative to employers facing a reduction in force. Instead of laying off employees, the employer reduces the hours of work among a specific group of employees. Wages lost to the worker, as a result of reduced hours, are supplemented by a partial unemployment benefit amount. We encourage employers to learn more about this program designed to help during these tough economic times. Infomation can be found at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/bnfts/sharedwork.html or by calling Fornora Eason with Texas Workforce Commission at 512-340-4634.
