7/16/2009
Charleston, W.Va. - The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has approved trade petitions for several West Virginia companies under the new Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) law that took effect on May 18, 2009.
As of today, the DOL has approved petitions for three West Virginia companies: AGC Flat Glass, Century Aluminum and JC Hamer, representing more than 1,000 workers who are eligible for trade benefits. Another 2,300 workers could be covered under pending petitions.
This federal initiative is designed to offer employment and training services to advance existing skills or aid in the pursuit of new careers in growing industries. Individuals who have lost their jobs due to competitive foreign trade, or whose hours and wages have been reduced as a result of increased imports, may be eligible.
"West Virginia has not forgotten about our dislocated workers,” said Gov. Joe Manchin. “This program is only one of the many offered to those facing the hardship of losing a job and trying to return to the workforce.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) expanded the pool of eligible TAA recipients to include previously ineligible service industry workers. These recent certifications for West Virginia are among the first petitions approved under the revised program. The Recovery Act also raised the limit on annual TAA training funds from $220 million to $575 million.
“By highlighting this assistance, I hope eligible applicants take an interest in learning more about how they can apply for benefits,” said Manchin.
Workers experiencing a loss or decrease in employment due to trade may submit a petition to the Department of Labor for certification. Workers certified as eligible for TAA have access to a variety of resources such as re-employment services, job search allowances, relocation allowances and various types of income support.
“WorkForce West Virginia and our partners offer a variety of assistance to dislocated workers who are interested in training or education programs,” said Russell L. Fry, WorkForce West Virginia acting executive director. “We encourage all workers to contact their local WorkForce office for more information about TAA benefits, as well as other forms of assistance.”
Details are available online at www.workforcewv.org or by calling toll free at 1-877-967-5498; TDD: 304-558-1549. WorkForce West Virginia is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Contact Information
Jama L Jarrett
304-558-2003 x 341
jama.l.jarrett@wv.gov