GOODRICH WORKERS WILL GET SPECIAL ASSISTANCE - Agency Rules Against Company Position, Sign-Ups March 6

(03/01/2003)

By Bob Weaver One-hundred and six former workers at the B.F. Goodrich plant in Spencer are eligible to apply for cash benefits and other assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act, according to the Bureau of Employment Programs. Many of the workers are from Calhoun County. The company shifted their position on the job losses last year, making most of the workers ineligible for special benefits. Union and trade groups recently protested the action. Goodrich has claimed the closing of the Spencer plant was not connected to the shifting of production out of the country. Goodrich workers said there was an exchange of training with workers from India. The federal act provides aid to workers who lose their jobs because of foreign competition. Benefits under the program are in addition to regular unemployment compensation benefits. Workers who lost their jobs on or after Dec. 30, 200l, at B.F. Goodrich in Spencer are eligible to apply for the assistance. Affected workers should apply for benefits at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 6 at the Heritage Community Building, 110 Church St., Spencer. Re-employment benefits, as well as cash benefits for job search and relocation assistance, may be provided to eligible applicants. Training may also be provided if federal funds are available. Reports say 33,000 jobs left West Virginia last year, most to foreign countries.

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