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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wanda Seeney (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23, 2009
Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Reopens St. Louis Center to Provide Service for Unemployed Missourians
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Responding to a 25-year high in Missouri’s unemployment, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Lawrence Rebman today reopened the St. Louis Regional Claims Center (STLRCC). The Claims Center will allow the state’s Division of Employment Services (DES) to more efficiently provide resources that assist Missourians in rejoining the workforce.
“With 219,000 Missourians out of a job, it is critical that we respond in ways that help people get back to work,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “The reopening of the St. Louis Regional Claims Center will help unemployed Missourians get access to the resources and information they need in the most efficient way possible.”
The reopening follows the last week’s agreement between Missouri and the U.S. Department of Labor that will provide federal funding for an additional $25 in weekly benefits to unemployed workers.
“There is a great demand for employment services,” said Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Lawrence Rebman. “People are suffering and we care. The reopening of this office was necessary and will streamline the delivery of benefits to those who need them.”
In addition to St. Louis, the DES operates Claims Centers in Jefferson City, Kansas City, and Springfield. Staff hired to assist in the STLRCC are experienced workers who will decide a backlog of contested claims cases.
The reopening of the STLRCC is the most recent step the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has taken to address the increased demand for assistance. Since July, staff has worked overtime daily and on Saturdays to adjudicate or process claims for unemployment assistance.
The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations also has established a partnership with the Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Division of Workforce Development. DED’s assistance will help alleviate an overwhelming number of Help Line calls and result in more contested claims being processed.
“Our priority is to provide Missourians with the resources they need to help turn the economy around,” said Director Rebman.
To find out more about the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, please visit the Internet site www.dolir.mo.gov.
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