EAST CASCADES WORKS' RESPONSE:Even in unprecedented times for workers and employers, EC Works is committed to finding solutions. We're supporting impacted employees and businesses to the greatest extent possible during the COVID-19 crisis. As we receive resources and information to support our local employers and workers we do our best to immediately respond to the most emergent needs. We also work to quickly and effectively communicate the information out to public as we have it. To this end, we've summarized below the current guidance on how both workers and employers can access support in Oregon. As you are aware, the situation is evolving fairly quickly and therefore we included links to pertinent information to ensure you have the latest information. Please check back regularly as we continue to monitor how both Oregon and our local area will be impacted and supported.
WORKERS COMPENSATION: If an employee contracts COVID-19 on the job, they may be eligible for workers compensation.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE: Individuals who cannot work may apply for unemployment insurance, with two ways to file:
ONLINE: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/Unemployment
PHONE: 1-877-345-3484 – expect long wait times due to high volume
WORKSOURCE OFFICES CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC EXCEPT FOR VIA PHONE and APPOINTMENT ONLY:
To ensure the safety and in adherence to Governor Brown's Executive Orders, our WorkSource Centers are closed to walk-in customers. Please contact your nearest local office to schedule an appointment:
- WorkSource Bend: 541-388-6070
- WorkSource Redmond: 541-548-8196
- WorkSource The Dalles: 541-596-5435
- WorkSource Klamath Falls: 541-883-5630
LAYOFF AVERSION & RAPID RESPONSE:
Rapid Response is a task force specifically designed to offer services to employers who are experiencing workforce changes such as layoffs or closures. Virtual Rapid Response presentations give employers an opportunity to provide affected employees with vital resources that help them file for unemployment insurance, get reemployed as soon as possible, and or connect with supportive services to ease this difficult transition.
A Rapid Response Coordinator will also work with you to determine which benefits and programs are right for you, such as:
Work Share: An alternative for employer and workers facing layoff. Instead of reducing staff, an employer reduces the hours of work for a group of workers. Unemployment Insurance benefits then pay a portion of wages.
For more information, contact a Rapid Response Coordinator in your local area below:
- Jefferson, Crook and Deschutes: Dana Dunlap: ddunlap@coic.org
- Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler: Mike Scroggs: mscroggs@cgcc.edu
- Klamath and Lake: Penny Newton: newton@klamathcc.edu
In response to the current workforce impact of COVID-19, the Oregon Dislocated Worker Unit has put together the following USEFUL RAPID RESPONSE TOOLS:
COVID-19 OED Resources for Employers and Workers
March Guide for Laid Off Workers in Oregon 2020
Helpful Videos:
Unemployment Insurance- Claimant Handbook
Unemployment Insurance- Filing a New Claim During COVID-19
Health Insurance
Health Insurance- En Espanol
Trade Act
BUSINESS CLOSURE: If a business is closing completely, the employer should let their employees know of this in writing. it is very important for the business to file a WARN NOTICE. Both of these actions help track closures and provide workers with documentation to claim Unemployment Insurance. WARN Notices help trigger additional state and federal funding for our region that can be utilized in flexible ways to help people during this crisis. For assistance, contact: John Asher – 503-947-2413 or John.E.ASHER@oregon.gov
For any questions related to East Cascades' Works response to COVID-19 or for more information on Rapid Response, please reach out to Stefanie Siebold at stefanie@ecworks.org.
Other Helpful Resources:
Business Oregon Resources
Small Business Administration Resources
Up to date announcements
VISION: An East Cascades, where all 10 counties are thriving. Where communities have access to education and training that lead to living-wage jobs, and businesses find the qualified talent they need to succeed.
Grounded in our VALUES:
Contact us
Telephone 541-213-0684
East Cascades Works
404 SW Columbia Street Suite 200 Bend,
Oregon 97702
· We embrace equity and inclusion.
· We are experts in workforce
development and rigorous stewards of
public funds.
· We are collaborative neutral conveners.
· We inspire a call to action.
· We are results-driven.
· We are innovative problem-solvers.
We are East Cascades Works Ambassadors!
MISSION: We support the talent needs of employers, and maximize and align investments in the career goals of individuals to fuel a thriving economy.
EC Works is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services, and alternate formats are available to individuals with limited English proficiency free of cost upon request. Support for workforce services in the East Cascades area are primarily funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the U.S. Department of Labor and Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission.