WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Maine Department of Labor has been awarded a total of $382,579 to promote and enhance its Short Time Compensation (STC) program, known as WorkShare, which allows workers to receive a partial unemployment benefit payment while their employer reduces their hours to avoid layoffs. “This grant will help the Department provide outreach to employers about Maine’s WorkShare program and also provides funds to implement enhancements to the program that both employees and employers have requested,” Commissioner Laura Fortman said. “WorkShare can be used both to prevent layoffs and to recall workers who had been temporarily laid off from the business. This program has significant benefits for both employees and employers and is one tool to help support efforts to jump-start Maine’s economy.”