Small Town News

Federal help coming for laid-off workers

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The U.S. Department of Labor has approved petitions from the Colville Tribal Enterprise Corporation (CTEC) to provide additional employment benefits to approximately 350 former employees, including more than 100 who are not tribal members, left jobless due to recent lumber mill closures in Omak.

CTEC leaders recognized the need for the assistance the Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) is capable of providing, a CTEC press release stated Monday.

"Economic hardships have hit the Colville reservation very hard, leaving many financially devastated," Chief Operating Officer Joe Pakootas said. "Closing our wood products division has been especially difficult."

A series of meetings are scheduled for June 15 at the Omak Community Center to explain the assistance program and how former employees can get additional information and support.

The TAA will support the former employees as they transition into new work by granting supplemental training and re-training, job seeking programs, educational opportunities and direct financial support. The TAA will be available to those formerly in the employ of Colville Indian Plywood and Veneer and Colville Indian Precision Pine, CTRC and CTL.

Pakootas and tribal chairman Mike Finley are hopeful about the relief the TAA will bring to the displaced employees..

Finley said the Colville Confederated Tribes will continue to do everything in their power to assist individual members.

Former employees will be receiving an informational packet from the Department of Labor prior to the June 15 meeting.

Those seeking additional information may contact Debi Condon at 509-634-3208 or Carla Spencer at 509-422-7543.



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© 2011 The Star Grand Coulee, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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