Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) has been informed by the U.S. Department of Labor that employees of Regency Home Fashions, Inc. in Conover, and Spectrum Textured Yarns of Hickory, are certified for training and income assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. This eligibility extends to Regency employees in positions eliminated between 11 November 2003 and 11 November 2005, and Spectrum employees between 19 November 2003 and 19 November 2005.

To become certified for TAA assistance, the U.S. Department of Labor must determine that one of its three criteria has been met: job losses caused by loss of business to foreign competitors, a shift of company operations to a country with which the U.S. has a free trade agreement, or a loss of business resulting from customer incurring TAA certified cut backs.

Congressman McHenry stated: “Losing work when a company leaves town can be devastating to families, communities and entire regions. But I was pleased to learn that folks in Conover and Hickory who are impacted by job cuts at Regency Home Fashions and Spectrum Textured Yarns will have access to TAA protections. By focusing on training, TAA offers an opportunity for workers to not only find new employment, but to seek better paying jobs. At the same time, the better trained and more diversified workforce that results from this training makes Western North Carolina more attractive to new businesses.”
McHenry continued: “I encourage any employee who believes he or she may be eligible for assistance based on this certification to contact their local North Carolina Employment Security Commission (ESC) office as soon as possible. Eligible employees should receive written notification and instructions from ESC in the near future; however, early contact with ESC is an important step in determining what services are available, and ensuring that those services are timely and effective.”

Services for certified employees include up to 104 weeks of training in a new career field. Individuals who require remedial education in order to complete occupational training may be eligible for an additional 26 weeks of training. In addition, certified participants who enroll in training programs may be eligible for up to 104 weeks of income assistance. Additional details regarding TAA benefits and eligibility are available online at www.doleta.gov/tradeact/. However, local ESC offices are the best source for comprehensive information about TAA benefits and other services available for dislocated workers. ESC is the best resource for helping individuals through the process of dealing with unemployment and finding new employment.

Residents of the 10th Congressional District who need contact information for their nearest ESC office should contact Congressman McHenry’s office at 1-800-477-2576 or 828-327-6100. His staff can provide the appropriate contact information and assist with any other questions you may have regarding this or any other matter involving the federal government.