Maryland Gov. Moore launches worker retention program to Port of Baltimore businesses

On Friday, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the launch of a worker retention program designed to help businesses at the Port of Baltimore keep workers as the port recovers from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in March.

The Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program will provide $12.5 million, $2.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and $10 million is from Maryland’s Rainy Day Fund, to help avert layoffs. Established through an executive order and authorized by the Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trad (PORT) Act, the program will be administered by the Maryland Department of Labor and will help impacted businesses retain workers until the port is fully reopened.

“We must do everything in our power to support the 8,000 Port workers whose jobs have been directly affected by the collapse of the Key Bridge – and the thousands more who have been touched by this crisis,” Moore said. “By moving in partnership with the Maryland General Assembly, the federal government, and our local government partners, we are extending a hand to workers and businesses in need of help. Together, we will continue to ensure that we leave no one behind in our response to the bridge collapse.”

Businesses employing up to 500 workers, unions, trade associations and other entities that have had their operations hindered or impacted by the Port slowdown will be eligible for up to $200,000 in grant funding. Businesses that receive funding must demonstrate efforts to avoid layoffs and maintain their workforce at the same hours, rates of pay and benefits in effect before the Port’s reduced operations.

Funds can also be used for upskill training, subsidized child care and transportation costs as well as payroll expenses.

“It’s my top priority to help our critical Port of Baltimore businesses, and their workers get through this difficult time,” Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu said. “The Worker Retention Program will keep Port businesses in operation and workers able to earn income and support their families as the U.S. Army Corps and others work to get the shipping channels reopened.”

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