US Department of Labor certifies approximately 9,000 workers in 19 states as eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that approximately 9,000 workers from companies in 19 states are eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance.  The companies are in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

"U.S. workers who have lost a job through no fault of their own — including those who have been adversely impacted by trade — need and deserve our support," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.  "Trade Adjustment Assistance allows us to offer workers the training they need to get new, good jobs, and the support they need to successfully complete training while continuing to provide for their families."

Workers covered by these latest Trade Adjustment Assistance certifications will be contacted by their respective states with instructions on how to apply for individual benefits and services. Those who apply may receive case management and re-employment services, training in new occupational skills and trade readjustment allowances that provide income support for workers enrolled in training. Some workers may also receive job search and relocation allowances, and the Health Coverage Tax Credit.

Workers 50 years of age and older may elect to receive Re-employment Trade Adjustment Assistance. If a worker obtains new employment at wages less than $55,000 and less than those earned in adversely affected employment, the RTAA program will pay 50 percent of the difference between the old wage and the new wage, up to $12,000 over a two-year period. RTAA participants may also be eligible for retraining and the HCTC.

For more information on Trade Adjustment Assistance and the range of Department of Labor employment and training services, visit http://www.doleta.gov.

Editor's Note: A chart reflecting companies covered by these certifications follows this news release.

Trade Adjustment Assistance Certifications

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov.  The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request.  Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.  The Labor Department is committed to providing America’s employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations.  For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor