CHICAGO FEDERATION OF LABOR WORKERS ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE

Programs: "employer training investment program" funded through the illinois department of commerce and economic development (dceo): cfl-wac provides employed worker's with skill training to keep pace with new technologies and business practices. Upgrading these skills helps businesses increase productivity, reduce costs, improve quality and boost competitiveness. During fiscal year 2013, cfl-wac subsidized training costs to local unions and businesses training over 10,900 persons in new skills including, osha training, supervisor training and english as a second language (esl) training which led to these workers maintaining their employment status and keeping the work in illinois. "employment opportunities grant program (egop)" funded through the illinois department of commerce and economic development the cfl-wac supports this new program which will provide contextualized bridge learning to 35 men which will lead to employment for 25 in the building trades sector and/or continue their education.

"core and intensive services" funded under the workforce investment act (wia):the cfl-wac provides services to suburban cook county and chicago residents that lost their job because of a plant closing or downsizing. Our services include orientation to the one-stop system, referral to supportive services agencies, outreach to unions, companies and workers, development and implementation of job plans to address workplace needs, creation of a customized curriculum, employment services including screening of applicants and other services. Our activities revolve around operating an effective job placement program. During plan year 2013, the cfl-wac provided services to over 6000 dislocated workers, one-on-one (intensive services requiring enrollment) to 304 individuals, referred 114 individuals to training and placing 72 individuals into unsubsidized full time employment. The cfl-wac provides services and information to workers that have lost their jobs as a result of plants closing in the chicago land area. During fiscal year 2013, the cfl-wac conducted over 100 career strategy and interviewing workshops. During this fiscal year over 304 clients were enrolled into training services and intensive services with over 80% finding full time employment.

"in person counselor grant 2014" funded under the affordable care act (aca):the cfl-wac staff fosters relationships with community organizations, public libraries, public vehicle operations, local universities, leveraging our existing partnerships and collaborate with other funded organizations to exceed our contractual goals. Cfl-wac subcontracts under service employees international union health care benefit fund (seiu) to outreach and educate 4500 individuals plus enroll 600 people into either medicaid or an affordable marketplace insurance plan.

"innovative services for under-served population" funded under the community development block grand (cdbg):the cfl-wac provides on site-job readiness classes, training referrals, apprenticeship information, provides job development, one-on-one counseling and other services to the inmates graduating from cook county boot camp. Boot camp offers military discipline to convicted felons to promote a change in lifestyle and foster responsible behavior. The cfl-wac provided 4 days workshop to approximately 800 inmates, provided one-on-one services to 34 offenders and placed 24 of thhese clients into gainful employment. Under this program our average hourly wage at placement was $11. 21.