Little Known Program Preventing Layoffs in CT

Dozens of Connecticut business are faced with cutting jobs, but some are keeping those jobs thanks to a little-known state program.

The program allows businesses to reduce hours, but not their benefits.

Tri Star Industries in Berlin joined the Department of Labor’s shared work program.  It allows full time employees to work only three or four days and the state pays unemployment for the one or two days they don’t work, as long as the company continues to provide benefits.

Tri Star employee Marcel Ormezzano said, “I think it’s a great thing what they’re doing because we can still have benefits for our families.  We can still have medical, still go to the doctors, and still have a job.”

More than 100 companies are participating in the program this year, which is already almost twice as many as last year, according to a Department of Labor spokesperson.

Tri Star owner Andy Nowakoski said, “The fact that somebody can work four, eight hour days, instead of five and obtrain a portion of a benefit is better than being unemployed and looking for work.”

The company has 20 out of its 30 employees participating in the program.

Administrators of the program say the goal is to keep as many people working as possible. 

For more information about the Shared Work program click HERE.

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