FW Foundry workers can get federal help

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Some workers who lost their jobs at Fort Wayne Foundry Machining Division in Fort Wayne may be eligible for help from the federal government with things like job searches, training, and even income when their unemployment benefits run out.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development made the announcement in a news release to NewsChannel 15 Friday. The full text of that release is below:

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced a ruling by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that certain employees of Fort Wayne Foundry Machining Division, in Fort Wayne, are eligible to receive services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.

The TAA program is made available to workers who are displaced due to foreign imports or shifts in production out of the country.
The federal ruling was issued on February 26, 2010 and applies to workers totally or partially separated from employment on or after June 16, 2008 through two years from the date of certification. The workers machined and assembled automotive engine parts.

The TAA program provides benefits to help unemployed workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment. They may be eligible for a variety of re-employment services, job search and relocation allowances and training. In addition, weekly trade re-adjustment allowances may be payable to eligible workers following the exhaustion of employment insurance benefits.

Additionally, DOL issued a certification for Re-employment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA) for separated older workers at the Fort Wayne facility. It was found that a significant number of workers at the company age 50 and over possess skills that are not easily transferable and that competitive conditions within the industry are adverse. Older workers may choose between regular TAA benefits or a wage subsidy of 50 percent of the difference between their new salary and old salary, up to $12,000.

Eligible workers may obtain information at their local WorkOne center. A listing of all of the centers can be found at www.workoneworks.com .