Letter to Elaine Chao, Secretary Department of Labor

Letter

U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins today sent a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao requesting Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for the 22 employees at the National Starch and Chemical Company in Island Falls who recently lost their jobs.

"The job losses caused by this closure will greatly affect the community, the employees, and their families," said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. "We urge the Department of Labor to approve this petition for the National Starch employees so they can gain the necessary skills to re-enter the workforce at this challenging time."

If their TAA petition is approved by the Department of Labor, the displaced workers of National Starch and Chemical Company 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.

Text of the letter is included:

Dear Secretary Chao:

We are writing on behalf of 22 workers at National Starch and Chemical Company in Island Falls, Maine, who were displaced as a result of a significant drop in demand of its products due to competition with foreign countries. Given other recent layoff announcements in the area, this further loss of employment in Aroostook County - - Maine's northernmost County - - is a devastating blow not only to Island Falls but to the surrounding communities as well.

The company has informed our offices that a Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition has been filed on behalf of the workers. Given that the company is situated in one of the more rural parts of Maine, the effort these workers will have to make to find alternative employment will be extensive. Many may have to consider difficult choices about employment and relocation issues and, given the scarcity of similar employment opportunities locally, it's likely that they will require retraining for other emerging occupations. Thus, it is absolutely crucial that these workers receive certification under the TAA program.

We urge that you review this Trade Adjustment Assistance application in a timely manner to ensure that the workers receive the assistance they need to get back on their feet and to help reduce the negative affects this action will have on their financial stability.

Thank you for your time and consideration on behalf of the workers at National Starch and Chemical Company in Island Falls, Maine.

Sincerely,



OLYMPIA J. SNOWE SUSAN M. COLLINS
United States Senator United States Senator

Source