Contact: Shana Stribling 202.224.0309 Rich Chrismer 202.224.4812
Thursday, November 20, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC Senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent today announced that the Department of Labor (DOL) approved their request for additional assistance for laid-off airline workers in Missouri. In a press conference with Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao, the Senators announced that former-TWA and American workers will receive $7.4 million in National Emergency Grant (NEG) funds.

"These funds are crucial in helping the former-TWA and American workers in St. Louis and Kansas City who have been laid-off," said Bond. "I am particularly pleased with President Bush and Secretary Chao's rapid response in providing assistance to these workers. The Department of Labor did not receive the State of Missouri's request for additional assistance until late October, and in just a little over three weeks, the Administration has responded with a generous grant to help these folks. Clearly, the Administration recognizes the unfortunate circumstances that have plagued the Airline Industry in Missouri, and the need to get these employees back to work."

"President Bush and Secretary Chao delivered this assistance about as quickly as I’ve ever seen in my years in public life,” said Sen. Talent. “I've talked personally with former-TWA and American pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and other employees who are being laid-off or concerned about being laid-off. Many of these workers have dedicated their entire careers to TWA, and they have families, mortgages and other responsibilities. This assistance is critical for them and for Missouri's economic recovery. I appreciate the Administration’s quick response to our request and for recognizing how important this assistance is for Missouri jobs.”

In October, Bond and Talent asked Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao, for additional federal assistance for the pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and other employees that have lost their jobs as a result of the American Airlines' restructuring plans following its acquisition of Trans World Airlines' in 2001. Earlier this year, Bond and Talent were instrumental in the DOL's release of $1.3 million for former-TWA and American workers.

Missourians have borne the brunt of this restructuring, with more than 10,000 St. Louis based TWA/American employees who have lost their jobs. In addition to the St. Louis job losses, Kansas City workers have also been hit hard. Together, these losses have had a tremendous negative impact on Missouri's economic recovery.

The $7,432,059 in NEG program dollars will provide crucial funds for job search assistance, job development, job placement, basic skills training, and counseling for the displaced workers. Workers can call1-877-US2-JOBS, toll-free, for information on how to access this assistance.