WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Collins today urged Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to approve the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) certification applications of two Lewiston companies, Auburn Machinery and Philips Elmet. Both companies have laid off dozens of workers. "The job losses at Philips Elmet and Auburn Machinery have created serious hardships for the employees and their families and have consequences for the Androscoggin community, which has already suffered from other losses in the manufacturing industry," said Senator Collins. "The TAA certification would be a tremendous help to the workers who lost their jobs. I will continue to advocate on their behalf."
TAA is made available through the Trade Act of 1974 for individuals certified by the Federal Government as having lost their jobs due to the more competitive nature of goods produced outside the United States. The program provides resources for training and extended unemployment benefits.