Maytag workers may qualify for benefits
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Printable FormatCARBONDALE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN
WASHINGTON - Displaced workers from Herrin's Maytag Corp. could be eligible for an assist from the government with additional unemployment benefits, job training and other services, officials announced Friday.
Congressman Jerry Costello said he received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Labor that workers who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after May 11, 2005, will be eligible for trade adjustment assistance and alternative trade adjustment assistance because of import competition.
"Trade adjustment assistance allows the displaced workers to receive additional unemployment benefits, job training, relocation expense reimbursement, and other services," Costello said. "I will continue to work to change the trade laws that result in jobs leaving this country, and I will work to maintain funding for this assistance to employees in the federal budget."
Eligible workers for alternative trade adjustment assistance - those who are over the age of 50, make less than $50,000 annually, work full-time and find a new job within 26 weeks - can receive up to 50 percent of the wage difference, up to $10,000, between the wage on a new job and their old job for up to two years. More information on the benefits are available at any of the state's employment and training centers or at www.ides.state.il.us.
"Obviously, my hope is that the Maytag plant remains open, but I'm happy that the Department of Labor is prepared to do everything it can to help these workers land on their feet," said Sen. Barack Obama. "The Maytag plant has long been the backbone of Herrin's economy, and if it closes we must all do our part to keep this community intact."
Senator Dick Durbin added, "Last month, Senator Obama and I asked the Department of Labor to be prepared to immediately assist displaced workers if the Maytag plant in Illinois closed down," said Durbin. "Today, we received assurances that if the plant decides to close, the 1,000 workers in Herrin, Illinois will receive critical assistance to help them find new jobs."
Workers can apply through Illinois Employment and Training Centers, the state's primary one-stop sources for workforce development services. Addresses are listed below. To work directly with an Employment Service or Job Training representative, workers can call 888-FOR-IETC (888-367-4382), TDD: (312) 793-3184.