Today, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the certification of a petition to grant Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) to workers who will lose their jobs at the Henredon furniture plant in Burke County, NC.

In late September, HDM Industries announced that it would be closing its Henredon plant in Morganton, which will cost 521 local manufacturing jobs.

HDM Furniture Industries filed the petition with the Department of Labor on behalf of company employees at their plant in Morganton.  Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) asked the Labor Department to expedite the petition for assistance.  Now granted, TAA will 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.

“My office requested prompt action from the Department of Labor Department, and I am glad they responded quickly to that request,” said Congressman McHenry.

“TAA will provide vital assistance to workers affected by this closing as they transition into new employment, and I will continue working hard to help these hardworking, skilled people get through this tough time,” he added.

All of the HDM Furniture Industries employees laid off between September 25, 2006 and September 25, 2008 are eligible to apply for TAA assistance under this certification.  The certification also covers on-site leased workers from Manpower, Friday Staffing, and Quick Temps who are affected by this closing.  Additionally, older workers will be able to apply for Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) under this certification.

Henredon employees who believe they are covered under this certified petition are encouraged to contact their local Employment Security Commission (ESC) office to determine if they are eligible for assistance and to obtain help in applying for assistance. Congressman McHenry’s office will also actively participate in helping dislocated workers over the coming weeks.