"When a company is forced to close, it disrupts the lives of workers and their families," said Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. "Support and training through TAA and ATAA will help to lessen the shock and facilitate an easier transition for laid-off workers."
Workers at Osram Sylvania produce lead wires, and face increasing competition from manufacturers in Mexico.
Because the TAA and ATAA petitions were approved by the Department of Labor, the displaced workers of Pride Manufacturing will have access to such benefits as training, education, job search and relocation allowances, and re-employment services including counseling, interview training, and resume assistance. Health care tax credits and unemployment benefits extensions are also established for a company that has received TAA certification.
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) is a program for older workers displaced by trade. It is granted if a significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or over and possess skills that are not easily transferable.
###