Mass layoffs at King Teleservices is a cause of concern for the State Labor Department and Governor Paterson as well.
This was the scene back in July when King Teleservices held a hiring fair for the Call Center jobs. Today we've learned the call center has closed, so these folks are out of work. The governor has directed the State Labor Department to assist the laid off workers find new jobs.
The following is a statement from the Department of Labor:
Like everyone, I am concerned by the news of mass layoffs at King TeleServices in Fulton County. Governor Paterson has directed the Labor Department to act quickly to assist affected workers and their families
Labor Department staff are attempting to contact company representatives to assess the situation, as currently it is unclear just how many workers are affected and when layoffs will actually occur.
One thing is clear, however. The Labor Department is on the ground and ready to assist these workers in any capacity. We have One-Stop Career Centers in Gloversville, Amsterdam, Cobleskill, Amsterdam and Schenectady and we encourage all workers at King TeleServices to visit them.
In situations such as this one, the company usually provides the Labor Department with names and contact information of affected workers. Labor Department staff will reach out to them, either on-site, a One-Stop Career Center, or another location to detail the services we provide. These sessions, termed Rapid Response sessions, will be occurring as soon as possible.
At the Rapid Response sessions, we will convey the message to workers that the Labor Department is here to help. We’ll provide them with information on: how to apply for Unemployment Insurance; workshops such as resume and cover letter writing at our local offices; job matching services; and training opportunities that can make their skills valuable to local employers.
One thing is also clear: we will not be providing workers with 10 job leads and sending them out on their own. We will be there for these workers every step of the way.
In the meantime, I encourage all affected workers to visit their nearest One-Stop Career Center.
Cobleskill Workforce Solutions
795 East Main Street Suite 4
Cobleskill, New York 12043
Gloversville Workforce Solutions
199 South Main Street
Gloversville, New York 12078
Amsterdam Workforce Solutions
2620 Riverfront Center
Amsterdam, New York 12010
Schenectady Job Training Agency
797 Broadway
Schenectady, New York 12305
Working Solutions One-Stop Career Center
320 N. Prospect Street
Herkimer, New York 13350
Working Solutions One-Stop Career Center
NY State Office Building - Suite 202
207 Genesee St. 2nd Floor
Utica, New York 13501
http://www.labor.state.ny.us/
