Washington, D.C., Dec 23, 2009 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that the Department of Labor has approved federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for employees who lost their jobs as a result of the International Paper mill closure.  

In an announcement just days before Christmas, the Department of Labor approved a TAA petition for the 1,100 employees impacted by the International Paper mill closure.  Congressman Forbes had requested a meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to ensure prompt consideration of this petition. 

“The closing of the IP paper mill has been devastating to the surrounding communities. Especially as these families face a holiday season marked with anxiety at the future, I am pleased that the Department of Labor has moved forward in approving this assistance.  I will continue to work for these workers and these communities as we move into the new year,” said Forbes. 

The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program is a federal program to provide aid to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports. TAA offers a variety of benefits and reemployment services to assist unemployed workers in preparing for and in obtaining suitable employment. Workers may be eligible for training, job search and relocation allowances, income support, health insurance subsidies, and wage supplements. A petition for TAA may be filed by a group of three or more workers, their union or other authorized representative.  

The TAA program is administered by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the U.S. Department of Labor. States serve as agents to the Labor Department in administering the TAA program. 

To access a copy of Congressman Forbes’ letter requesting a meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the ETA on the International Paper paper mill petition, click here. For resources for individuals impacted by the IP paper mill closure, click here.