News
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.
Family Links has proudly served individuals throughout Western Pennsylvania for over 65 years. Their mission is to positively impact lives through integrated, personalized, and family-centered community-based behavioral and social programs. Family Links aspires to build strong foundations for lives full of hope, health, and independence. They provide services for more than 8,000 individuals each year, many of whom are struggling with addictions, learning to cope with the challenges presented by mental and/or physical disabilities, while simultaneously striving to maintain their independence.
Rob Taylor Jr. - New Pittsburgh Courier
March 4, 2020
Sara Bauknecht - The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
February 25, 2020
Joyce Gannon - The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
January 9, 2020
By Julie Mericle of The Pittsburgh Business Times
“We know that transportation issues not only affect individuals looking for work, but transportation challenges also stymies growth for the region’s business community, with no one industry or sector immune from this challenge,” Earl Buford, CEO of Partner4Work, said. “We’ve heard from our partners in manufacturing, construction, health care, and financial services that a business can not grow if skilled workers can’t get there.”
From Bob Bauder of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Together with Lyft, William Peduto's office including Majestic Lane, and Rich Fitzgerald of Allegheny County, on December 17 we kicked off the start of a new initiative working to break down transportation barriers for job seekers.
#Lyft’s Jobs Access Program focuses on three key interventions in the employment pipeline that are critical to individual success, and where transportation can play a major role:
- Rides to/from job training programs
- Rides to/from job interviews
- Rides to/from the first three weeks of employment, until individuals receive their first paycheck and begin to pay for their own transportation
Partner4Work's signature #BankWork$ program, and other regional businesses and nonprofits, are celebrated for thinking outside the box to help create and retain talented employees.