Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) has been informed by the U.S. Department of Labor that all employees of Dunmore Furniture Company in Hickory, Newton, and Granite Falls, who lost their jobs on or after January 14, 2004 are certified for training and income assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. Eligibility will extend to future job losses for company employees until February 23, 2007.

To become certified for TAA assistance, the U.S. Department of Labor must determine that one of three criteria has been met. The three events that can trigger TAA eligibility are 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.

Services for certified employees include up to 104 weeks of training in a new career field. Those who require remedial education in order to complete occupational training may be eligible for an additional 26 weeks of training. In addition, certified participants enrolled in training programs may be eligible for up to 104 weeks of income assistance. Details regarding TAA benefits and eligibility are available online at www.doleta.gov/tradeact/ . Local North Carolina Employment Security Commission offices are also a good source of comprehensive information about TAA benefits and other services available for dislocated workers. ESC is the best front line resource for helping individuals through the process of dealing with unemployment and finding new employment.

“This certification will help ease the hardship faced by Dunmore employees who have faced sudden and unexpected job losses as a result of these plant closings,” said Congressman McHenry upon hearing about the assistance. The congressman encouraged all former Dunmore Furniture employees who lost their jobs or faced a reduction in work hours since January 14, 2004 to contact their local ESC office as soon as possible to determine if they are eligible for benefits. ESC makes great efforts to secure a full list of eligible workers whenever a TAA petition is certified. The agency then sends letters to those workers to notify them of their eligibility. Most affected Dunmore employees will probably receive a letter from ESC shortly, but anyone who does not receive a letter and suspects he or she may qualify for assistance would be wise to follow-up with ESC.

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.