NexxLinx Recruitment Put on Hold by FEMA Due to Lower Than Anticipated Need for Sandy Assistance

*Bangor CareerCenter Will Remain Open on November 12* 

Bangor, Maine - The Maine Department of Labor learned on Saturday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has put a hold on the NexxLinx contract it issued earlier in the week due to a lower than anticipated need for disaster assistance. This has halted the effort to hire 400 workers for call center jobs at NexxLinx's facility in Orono.

The Labor Department, which was assisting the company's intake of initial applications at the Bangor CareerCenter, will keep that CareerCenter open on Monday, Nov. 12, the observance of Veterans Day. Staff will provide alternative career assistance to people interested in the NexxLinx opportunity. The Department of Labor's offices and other CareerCenters will remain closed.

People who have already filed applications with NexxLinx should follow up with the company after the holiday weekend.

"Although we are disappointed that we may not be able to provide Mainers with these temporary jobs, what this does mean is that fewer people affected by Hurricane Sandy need FEMA assistance-that's good news," said Jeanne Paquette, commissioner of the Department of Labor. "This week showed Maine's ability to respond both to help people in need and to aid businesses. This experience will be valuable for future efforts. Our staff were up to the task of assisting NexxLinx and did a fantastic job."

The Bangor CareerCenter, located at 45 Oak Street, Suite 3 in Bangor, is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday; staff can be reached at (207) 561-4050 (TTY users call Maine Relay 711).

CareerCenters offer a variety of free workshops and services to help people find employment or upgrade skills. Each center provides several public-access computer workstations with Microsoft Office software, resume writing and cover letter software, Internet access and O'Net software for skills assessment. More information is available at www.mainecareercenter.com.

Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.