WORKSHARING
For employers who may be considering layoffs, the Department
of Employment and Training offers what may be a viable
alternative.  The voluntary program, called Worksharing,
allows an employer to avoid layoffs by having all the
workers in a department or unit work reduced hours.  

Employees must be eligible to receive regular unemployment
insurance benefits to receive payment in this program. 
Those eligible can collect a portion of their unemployment
insurance benefits equal to the percentage of the reduction
in their wages and hours.One condition of the program is
that employees' normal weekly hours and wages must be
reduced at least 10% but no more that 50% per week.  The
percentage of reduction must remain in effect for 30 days
before a modification may be submitted for approval. 
Employees can receive workshare benefits for a maximum of 26
weeks (consecutive or non-consecutive) per year.  Employees
who participate are not required to look for additional work
and are not penalized for refusing job offers from other
employers; however, these employees cannot refuse work from
their own employers.

Rhode Island began offering the program in October, l992,
after the General Assembly enacted legislation earlier in
the year.  It was developed not to be a substitute for
seasonal employment, but help employers retain skilled and
trained employees, lower operating costs during a temporary
slowdown, and help workers keep jobs and maintain economic
security.  Preserving their trained work force through
Worksharing also helps employers stay prepared for an
upswing in the economy.  Because the work force is intact,
employers are able to avoid the time and expense of
recruiting, hiring, and training.Any private sector employer
with two or more employees may participate.  Collective
bargaining agents must be in agreement and the Worksharing
plan must be approved by the Director of the Department of
Employment and Training.

For more information on the Worksharing program, call (401)
724-4992.
.