U.S. REP SALAZAR: SUNDSTRAND EMPLOYEES ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Dept. of Labor Announces Trade Adjustment Assistance

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Salazar (CO-3) today announced that employees of Hamilton Sundstrand will be eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance from the federal government.  Hamilton Sundstrand announced earlier this year it would be closing its production facility in Grand Junction. In the wake of the local outcry over the loss of jobs, the Department of Labor has announced that it will provide assistance to the hundreds of displaced workers.

“Providing these workers with financial assistance is the right thing to do,” said Salazar.  “This money is needed so families of laid off workers can stay on their feet. We need to do what we can to make sure our working families can stand strong and proud.”

In early March, Salazar spoke with David Hess, CEO of Hamilton Sundstrand, to discuss ways to keep the jobs in Grand Junction. Salazar has also worked with local business leaders and the Business Incubator Center to explore certification options for local businesses to help keep the work in Mesa County.

“We need to do whatever we can to keep American jobs in America,” said Salazar. “The federal government realized the need to take care of workers affected by outsourcing or increased imports of products. I am happy these programs will be available to Grand Junction workers, but am still dismayed by the outsourcing of American jobs.  I will continue to work with local leaders and Hamilton Sundstrand to protect our jobs and maintain a healthy economy in Grand Junction.”

The Trade Act programs, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA), assist individuals who have become unemployed as a result of increased imports from or shifts in production to foreign countries. The goal of the Trade Act programs is to help trade-affected workers return to suitable employment as quickly as possible. To facilitate this goal, TAA certified workers may access a menu of services that include income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit.

To obtain more information on eligibility for Trade Adjustment Assistance, please visit www.doleta.gov/tradeact or contact the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment at (303) 318-8814.