"This is welcome news, which we hope will bring some sense of relief to the hard-working individuals at ZF Lemforder who, through no fault of their own, are losing their jobs. The current economic climate, coupled with high unemployment, makes it critical that these displaced workers and their families receive the assistance they need as they work to get back on their feet as quickly as possible," said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement.
The facility is scheduled to close next year, laying off more 100 employees.
Trade Adjustment Assistance is a federal program established under the Trade Act of 1974. The purpose of TAA is to aid workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages decrease as a result of trade-related foreign competition. Following the approval of a TAA petition, the displaced workers will be eligible for employment training in another job or career, income support, job search allowance, and relocation services for individuals who obtain jobs outside of their normal commuting area.