The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY – This week, Pfizer announced that their application to the U.S. Department of Labor for Trade Adjustment Assistance was accepted, opening new opportunities for laid-off workers from Pfizer’s Rouses Point facility. The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program is a federal program that assists U.S. workers who have lost their jobs by providing opportunities to obtain the skills, credentials, resources, and support necessary to find new jobs. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman Bill Owens pushed for this approval in a letter earlier this year after coordinating with Pfizer and the North Country Chamber of Commerce.   They offered the following statement on today’s announcement: “We should be working every day to get out-of-work New Yorkers back on the job as quickly as possible, so I applaud the Department of Labor’s decision to approve Pfizer’s application and provide these crucial services,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal program will provide the training and temporary assistance these North Country workers need to make it through this difficult period and find new employment.”

“This support is incredibly important for these North Country workers who are losing their jobs through no fault of their own,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When New York jobs get shipped away, our workers deserve every opportunity to support their families through this tough time, and access critical training to get the skills they need to land a new, good-paying job.”

“Job loss is tough on workers and tough on their families, which is why it is so important that services are available to help people get back on their feet,” said Congressman Owens.  “Today’s announcement is good news for displaced workers still seeking employment, and it is my hope that this presents an opportunity for them to find a good paying job here in New York.” 

Benefits under the program include up to 130 weeks of full-time or part-time training, tax credits to cover healthcare costs and reimbursement for job seeking activities that take place outside of the local area.  The program also offers relocation allowances, employment and case management services and a wage subsidy for workers reemployed at annual wages of $50,000 or less.

Department of Labor is assistance is available for two years once certified.  Additional information on the TAA certification can be found here: http://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/taa/taadecisions/taadecision.cfm?taw=82502