The Workers Help Centre & Labour Adjustment

We know our community, its services and agencies. We will make appropriate referrals whether it be:

  • Employment and Career Supports
  • Education Training Supports
  • Community Supports

    • The Workers Help Centre is also Labour Adjustment Ready. We recently expanded our services to incorporate the work of the Quinte Regional Adjustment Centre, a project of Labour Community Services/United Way of Quinte and funded by the Trillium Foundation. Tne project ended May 2011.

    Be sure to check out this excellent resource from Labour Programs and Services (United Way of Canada)When the Paycheque Stops

    Ask as well for a copy of the Adjustment Information Package: Facing Layoffs? prepared by the OFL/CLC.

    Community Services

    Sharing information about community services is a key task in supporting laid-off workers. Workers need information on accessing a broad range of employment, social and education services, such as the local Quinte Credit Counselling.

    Credit Counselling

    Unfortunately, your bills won't stop once your paycheque or severance pay runs out.

    Try this budget sheet provided to us by the local Quinte Credit Counselling Services, a United Way of Quinte Agency.

     

    FACING LAYOFFS

    (excerpts: Facing Layoffs? Adjustment Information Package 2008, prepared by OFL and CLC)

    First Things First

    As soon as there is an official announcement, be sure to gather as much information about the situation as you can. You may need to meet with the employer to get more information about: who is affected, how many are affected, what they have been told, what terms are on offer and how much time you have before the layoffs begin.

    Adjustment Overview

    Each adjustment program is unique. At the same time, labour has advocated for certain features:

    • the establishment of an adjustment committee to oversee the program;
    • the use of "peer helpers" who assist workers to access programs and services;
    • where feasible, and particularly in larger layoffs: the set up of a workplace or community-based "action centre" that provides a range of employment and other supports and services to laid-off workers.

    Typical activities include:

    • assessing each individual's employment, training and other needs;
    • sourcing and making referrals to appropriate employment and training programs in the community;
    • offering services (resumes, preparation for job interviews) directly at the action centre;
    • helping workers gain access to training;
    • providing immediate,on-site counselling and personal support;
    • providing access to phone, fax, internet, photocopier, computers;
    • providing support for workers' families;
    • developing community and labour links.

    Small Layoffs

    Workers losing jobs in small layoffs often slip through the cracks. Because employers are not required to report layoffs of less than 50 workers to the Ministry of Labour, there is no automatic government response offering adjustment services.

    The provincial Adjustment ADvisory Program will fund services for small layoffs, especially if workers have high needs. Even without funding however, we must attempt to respond to workers' needs. Linking laid-off workers to community resources such as the Workers Help Centre is a role we can all take on.

    (edited: Facing Layoffs? Adjustment Information Package. OFL and CLC)


     

     

    Government Regulations and Programs

    Employment Insurance is the major federal government program for laid-off workers and is separated into two distinct prorgrams: EI Part I (income support) and EI Part II ("active employment measures"). EI Part II funds were transferred to the Province of Ontario in 2007 when the Labour Market Development Agreement took effect.

    Employment Ontario: Programs for the Unemployed

    Employment Ontario provides Employment Assistance Services delivered by funded organizations at the community level.

    Unemployed Ontario residents may also qualify for the following Employment Ontario programs:

    • Skills Development program to obtain training and other necessary skills for employment;
    • Second Career Strategy for ungrading and longer training;
    • Self-Employment programs to help start small businesses;
    • Targeted Wage Subsidies to encourage employers to hire individuals whom they would not normally hire in the absence of a subsidy;
    • Job Creation Partnerships to povide individuals with work experience that leads to on-going employment.

    Government Funding for Adjustment SErvices

    The Ontario Adjustment Advisory Program (AAP) is responsible for all government adjustment funding and program supports in the province. AAP is part of Employment Ontario, within the Ministry of Training,Colleges and Universities. Government of Ontario funding can help pay for:

    • the establishment of an adjustment committee
    • peer-led "action centres" at the affected workplace or in the community
    • individual and group needs assessment
    • vocational and educational counselling
    • job search assistance
    • social and emotional supports
    • referral to Employment programs including the Second Career program

     (edited: Facing Layoffs? Adjustment Information Package. OFL and CLC)
    HOME

    Web content updates by Labour Community Services Co-Director Bob Cottrell