U.S. Department of Labor certifies almost 1,000 auto workers in Michigan as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that almost 1,000 workers in auto-related industries in Michigan are eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance.

"Workers in auto-related fields have sacrificed enormously, and they deserve our support as they look to transfer their considerable skills to new careers in promising regional industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "With Trade Adjustment Assistance, workers impacted by these layoffs will have the opportunity to apply for employment-related services that will help them get good jobs paying family-supporting wages."

Approximately 300 workers at Advanced Accessory Systems in Shelby Township, Sterling Heights and Port Huron qualify. Approximately 350 workers at Noble Metal Processing in South Haven and 340 at Delphi Corp. in Troy also are eligible.

Workers covered by these certifications will be contacted by the state with instructions on how to apply for individual benefits and services. Those who do apply may receive case management and re-employment services, training in new occupational skills and trade readjustment allowances that provide income support for workers enrolled in training. Some workers may also receive job search and relocation allowances and the Health Coverage Tax Credit.

Workers 50 years of age and older may elect to receive Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA), which was created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. If a worker obtains new employment at wages less than $55,000 and less than those earned in adversely affected employment, the RTAA program will pay 50 percent of the difference between the old wage and the new wage, up to $12,000 over a two-year period. RTAA participants may also be eligible for retraining and the Health Coverage Tax Credit.

"Workers at auto suppliers across Michigan like these companies have been hard hit during this economic crisis. This certification will give workers access to training and much needed funds to support their families," said Dr. Ed Montgomery, executive director of the White House Council on Auto Communities and Workers. "The White House council's priority is to work with Secretary Solis and other members of the administration to cut red tape so that workers and communities get the assistance they need."

For more information on Trade Adjustment Assistance and the range of Department of Labor employment and training services, visit http://www.doleta.gov.