NEW YORK CITY, NY, September 15, 2008 – Governor Jon S. Corzine’s Administration joined New York Governor David A. Paterson’s Administration to announce a joint initiative to help dislocated workers in the immediate aftermath of the bankruptcy filing by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.

At a news conference with New York Governor Paterson, New Jersey Labor Commissioner David J. Socolow, and New York State Labor Commissioner Patricia Smith pledged to provide a coordinated response to assist workers who may lose their jobs at Lehman Brothers after the financial firm filed for Chapter 11 protection in U. S. Bankruptcy Court today.

New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine said, “This situation requires a strong, coordinated effort between our states because of the regional nature of Lehman Brothers with locations here in New Jersey and in New York. By working together, our labor departments can make sure that there is ‘no wrong door’ for the dislocated workers who need our help. No matter where a worker lives or worked, they will be guided to the appropriate services.”

New Jersey Labor Commissioner David J. Socolow said, “We know that many Lehman Brothers workers commute to or from New Jersey. By working together with the New York Labor Department we can provide a comprehensive approach to reaching the workers displaced during the bankruptcy process and through our Rapid Response Teams and One-Stop Career Centers we can provide them with the assistance they need in these difficult times.”

Staff members from Governor Corzine’s office and Governor Paterson’s office have reached out to Lehman Brothers to offer on-site services and to work with any outplacement firm Lehman Brothers may select so that the workers can receive the most comprehensive assistance to make the transition to new jobs as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Informational flyers on services available to workers will be handed out at Lehman Brothers offices in New Jersey and New York tomorrow morning.

New Jersey’s Rapid Response Team services include orientation sessions on One-Stop Career Center services, seminars on job search techniques and resume writing, labor market information to guide career choices and information on claiming unemployment insurance benefits.

In addition, the One-Stop Career Centers offer job placement services, career counseling, re-training exploration and transferable skills assessment. Business Services representatives contact employers about interest in recruiting these workers and developing recruitment events and job fairs.

For more information regarding our services please visit: www.nj.gov/labor 

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