KENNEDY, COLLEAGUES ON MA WORKERS RECEIVING TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE

WASHINGTON, DC— The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that nearly 600 Massachusetts workers are entitled to federal Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits, which include extended unemployment insurance, job training, and health insurance. The assistance will benefit 478 workers at Alcatel-Lucent in North Andover, 79 workers at RAD Electronics Inc. in North Reading, 24 workers at Hyde Tools Inc. in Southbridge, and 15 workers at Leach & Garner Co. in North Attleboro. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, made the following statement: “These workers certainly deserve Trade Adjustment Assistance, and I’m delighted they’ll receive it. I’ll continue to work with the Department of Labor and Massachusetts officials to do everything possible to help these workers get the assistance they need to find new jobs and build a brighter future for their families and their communities.” “This is welcome news for hundreds of Massachusetts workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. TAA benefits will help them transition into new fields, giving them a second shot at a career,” said Senator Kerry. “They have worked hard and played by the rules and I am relieved that we could help provide assistance to these workers.” "I am pleased the Department of Labor rightfully recognized these workers should receive Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits. Along with Senators Kennedy and Kerry, I will keep fighting to see that all resources and services are made available to them as they pursue new employment opportunities," said Congressman John F. Tierney (DSalem). "In a global economy, working men and women in Massachusetts must continue to receive Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits. I am very pleased that nearly 600 workers in the state will qualify for this important and necessary assistance," said Congressman Neal. Congressman McGovern said, “In an increasingly difficult economy, it’s essential that the Department of Labor provide these workers with TAA benefits. The federal government must continue to help these workers transition into new employment opportunities.”

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