AUGUSTA — State labor officials are planning additional job-search workshops for unemployed Mainers in anticipation of federally funded unemployment programs expiring at the end of the year.

Commissioner Robert Winglass says more than 17,000 jobless Mainers are expected to lose benefits in the coming months as the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits programs come to an end.

Winglass says unless Congress reauthorizes the programs, jobless people can expect far fewer weeks of unemployment benefits next year as the programs are phased out.

In anticipation of an influx of additional job seekers, the department is planning to double the number of job search seminars and resume workshops at its 12 career centers.