SNOWE AND COLLINS ANNOUNCE TAA ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYEES OF BETHEL FURNITURE STOCK, INC. & SAUNDERS MFG CO., INC.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -. U.S. Senators Snowe and Collins announced today that employees of Bethel Furniture Stock, Inc., located in Bethel, and employees of Saunders Manufacturing Co., Inc., located in Readfield, are eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) from the United States Department of Labor.

"We are pleased that the Department of Labor has recognized the impact of imported competition on the decline in productivity and sales of these two businesses," said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. "We have a strong desire to see all dislocated workers get back to work, and have actively encouraged the use of TAA funds for dedicated workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own."

The Trade Act of 1974 provides for Trade Adjustment Assistance for workers whose employment is adversely affected by foreign competition. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Certified workers may be eligible to receive up to 104 weeks of cash assistance, training, job search and relocation allowance.