CONCORD, NC – Today, Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) announced that the Department of Labor has certified a Trade Adjustment Assistance petition for employees of Funtees in Concord. The petition will cover all sample sewing department workers who lost their jobs on or after February 10, 2010, through two years from the date of certification.

“The TAA petition certification will help these former employees in a time when they need it most,” Kissell said. “While it will never completely replace what has been lost, it will help these folks with education, retraining and assistance in finding new jobs. I’m committed to making sure that we do all we can to protect American jobs and keep our people employed.”

The TAA Program provides aid to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports or a company shifting production to a foreign country. Workers may be eligible for training, job search and relocation allowances, income support and other reemployment services.

“For far too long, bad trade deals have ravaged our economy and put our workers at a disadvantage,” said Kissell. “I will continue to oppose any trade deal that does not do enough to increase American exports and keep our manufacturing jobs where they belong—right here.”