U.S. Department of Labor certifies California auto workers as eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2009; The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that workers from New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, Calif., are eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).

"This administration remains unwavering in its commitment both to growing the nation's economy and to creating good jobs for these and other displaced workers," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Auto workers impacted by foreign competition deserve our support, and TAA is one tool that we can bring to bear when plant closings and layoffs threaten communities. The program will ensure that eligible workers can access greatly needed support and services during this trying economic time."

Workers covered by this TAA certification will be contacted by the state with instructions on how to apply for individual benefits and services. Those who apply may receive case management and re-employment services, training in new occupational skills and trade readjustment allowances that provide income support for workers enrolled in training. Some workers may also receive job search and relocation allowances, and the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC).

"During our meeting with workers and state and local officials in Alameda County, it was clear that we needed to help support efforts to grow the economy and to help NUMMI auto workers during these tough times," said Dr. Ed Montgomery, executive director of the White House Council on Automotive Communities and Workers. "TAA will provide workers and their families much needed income support, access to health care, job training and other assistance as they transition to new jobs in other sectors of the economy."

Workers 50 years of age and older may elect to receive Re-employment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA). If a worker obtains new employment at wages less than $55,000 and less than those earned in adversely affected employment, the RTAA program will pay 50 percent of the difference between the old wage and the new wage, up to $12,000 over a two-year period. RTAA participants may also be eligible for retraining and the HCTC.

For more information on Trade Adjustment Assistance and the range of Department of Labor employment and training services, visit http://www.doleta.gov/.

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