SNOWE, COLLINS REQUEST TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR NORTHEAST WOOD TURNING IN WEST FARMINGTON

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins have written a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao requesting Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for the 16 displaced workers of Northeast Wood Turning Incorporated. The wood products manufacturer located in West Farmington is closing its doors due to a decline in production. The company attributes the decrease in business to foreign competition, particularly from China.

"The job losses caused by this closure will greatly affect the community, the employees, and their families. Approval of this petition is essential for Northeast Wood Turning's dislocated workers to gain the necessary skills to re-enter the workforce at this challenging time," Senators Snowe and Collins said.

If their TAA petition is approved by the Department of Labor, the displaced workers of Northeast Wood Turning Incorporated 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.

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