"This Trade Adjustment Assistance is vital to the laid-off workers of Louisiana Pacific," said Snowe, Collins and Michaud in a joint statement. "In these difficult times it is essential that workers get all the support they need to help them re-enter the workforce, especially since the layoffs affect not only the workers, but their families and the community as well. We are happy that our concerns were heeded by the Department of Labor and pledge to do all we can to secure additional assistance."
The Senators, along with Congressman Michaud, formed a transition team in November to coordinate state, local, and federal efforts to assist the more than 100 workers who lost their jobs at Louisiana Pacific.
Because the TAA petition was approved by the Department of Labor, the displaced workers of Louisiana Pacific 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), a program for older workers displaced by trade, was not awarded in this preliminary announcement, but Snowe, Collins, and Michaud are appealing the decision.
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