PA (DOL) launches pilot program to help recruit and retain more Bilingual workers

Office of Administration (OA) Secretary Neil Weaver and Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker announced a new pilot program at L&I to recruit and retain more bilingual employees. The pilot program will initially focus on bilingual state employees who serve Pennsylvanians seeking employment services and unemployment compensation (UC) benefits and services.

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Under an agreement between the Commonwealth and Service Employees International Union Local 668, employees in covered positions who are proficient in speaking and writing in Spanish may be eligible for an additional $1.00 per hour, almost $1,000 more throughout the 6-month pilot. The bilingual pay incentive is available to UC Intake Interviewers, UC Claims Supervisors, UC Claims Examiners, PA CareerLink® Program Supervisors, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists, and Local Veterans Employment Representatives.

“There should be no wrong door for Pennsylvanians who want to contact state government and access the information and services they deserve,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians speak a language other than English - and I want them to be able to reach out to their state government and receive efficient, effective service just the same as anyone else. This pilot will ensure we're recognizing and rewarding employees who can speak multiple languages while continuing to deliver faster, more effective results for the good people of Pennsylvania.”