Congressman Patrick McHenry has asked the U.S. Department of Labor to expedite processing for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition filed by Broyhill Furniture Industries, on behalf of company employees at the Occasional #1 and Harper plants in Lenoir. If certified, the petition would give employees of those plants who have lost their jobs access to training and income assistance in addition to regular Unemployment Insurance Compensation (UIC) benefits.

McHenry has also asked the agency to expedite a separate petition filed by employees of the company’s corporate office in Lenoir who have lost their jobs due to recent domestic cutbacks at Broyhill Industries.

“I know how tough this is on our local workers and their families, but we’re going to do all that we can to help them during this tough time, and my staff is ready to assist workers who are eligible for TAA benefits to receive the benefits they deserve,” said Congressman McHenry. “The training and income assistance available through the TAA program can help dislocated workers acquire new skills in growth industries such as health care and technology.”

In his request, Congressman McHenry emphasized the importance of assistance being available to impacted workers as quickly as possible. In addition, he cited the need for the state agencies and training providers who coordinate TAA services to have early notification so services can be delivered as efficiently as possible.

Constituents who have questions about these petitions or the TAA program in general are encouraged to contact Congressman McHenry's Hickory District Office at 828-327-6100.