For Release: Friday, February 4, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: (202) 225-5661

COSTELLO ANNOUNCES BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES OF S.A.S.I. CORPORATION D/B/A BRIDAL ORIGINALS

Washington - Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) has received confirmation from the U. S. Department of Labor that former workers of S.A.S.I. Corporation d/b/a Bridal Originals, located in Sparta, will be eligible for alternative trade adjustment assistance due to import competition.  The workers produced dresses. 

The decision reads, "All workers of S.A.S.I. Corporation d/b/a Bridal Originals, Sparta Manufacturing Plant, Sparta, Illinois, who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after January 8, 2003 through February 11, 2006 are eligible to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance.." 

Eligible workers - 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% of the wage difference, up to $10,000, between the wage on a new job and their old job for up to two years. 

"This program was designed to get older workers into new jobs faster," Costello noted.  "I will continue to work to change the trade laws that lead to jobs leaving this country, and I will work to maintain funding for this assistance in the federal budget."

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