Embassy Co-Sponsors Conference in Presov on Long-term Unemployment

Embassy photo: Aaron Chase

Recognizing that Slovakia’s impressive economic growth and low unemployment both mean that labor is becoming scarcer and more expensive, the Embassy partnered with U.S. Steel Kosice and the American Chamber of Commerce to hold a conference on hiring long-term unemployed in Presov on May 20. A large percentage of unemployed workers are found in Roma communities in the East; American companies like Whirlpool and U.S. Steel have led the way with innovative hiring practices to coax these potential workers back into the workforce, allowing them to share in the benefits of Slovakia’s growth. U.S. Steel, Whirlpool and other companies showcased their best practices in finding workers to a gathered audience of 130 business people, civic leaders and entrepreneurs who are also exploring ways to keep productivity up and labor costs reasonable. Stuart J. Ishimaru, a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner, journeyed to Presov at the Embassy’s invitation to share the U.S. perspective on how a concerted effort to hire minorities helped diversify the American labor force and boosted productivity.

Read Ambassador Obsitnik’s remarks