JOINT INFORMATION CENTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 12, 2008

Louisiana Workforce Commission News Update

Louisiana Workforce Commission Announces Saturday Hours at Baton Rouge, Houma Business and Career Solutions Centers

BATON ROUGE -- The Louisiana Workforce Commission today announced that Business and Career Solutions Centers in Baton Rouge and Houma will be open tomorrow to allow those impacted by Hurricane Gustav to file disaster unemployment assistance claims and search for employment.

The offices at 1991 Wooddale Blvd. in Baton Rouge and 807 Barrow St. in Houma will be open from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13.

The mobile units that were deployed to heavily impacted areas will not be operational this weekend as the anticipated high winds from Hurricane Ike can adversely affect their satellite equipment.

As soon as it is safe to do so, the units will again be deployed to storm-impacted areas to assist citizens with their employment needs.

Citizens are reminded that those filing new claims can also call 1-866-259-6345 or 1-800-957-1605. The call center will operate from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

For those who have already filed a claim and wish to file for continued weekly benefits, LWC officials recommend they call any of the Easy Call numbers or submit their requests via the Web at www.laworks.net.

People who have issues with their claims should call the commission's usual toll-free line, 1-866-783-5567, to have them resolved.

The best way to file claims continues to be the LWC Web site at www.laworks.net.

For the latest information on Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, you can visit emergency.louisiana.gov or call the state's emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information.

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