Statement by Secretary Walsh on termination of Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh issued the following statement regarding the termination of the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers Program:

“Since it was first established by the Trade Act of 1974, the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers Program has provided training, income support, employment and case management services, job search and relocation allowances to eligible, certified worker groups for benefits due to job losses or wage reductions resulting from global trade. TAA has helped more than 2.5 million workers obtain the skills, training, resource and support they need to become reemployed in quality jobs.

“The termination of TAA affects nearly 100,000 workers annually who depend on adjustment assistance. Additionally, thousands of workers who experience layoffs after June 30, 2022, and would have been entitled to receive benefits will no longer be eligible for TAA – even if they have a certified petition. The department is assessing how other Employment and Training Administration workforce programs can support these workers.

“Only Congress can affirm the importance of TAA and reauthorize the program. Until then, the department will continue to work with state officials to administer all entitlements under the TAA for Workers Program until the last worker leaves.

“The Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers Program expired last night at 11:59 p.m. ET and the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration has begun phasing-out activities. The termination provisions under Section 285(a) of the Trade Act of 1974 require the department to cease making determinations on petitions immediately. The department may continue to make determinations on requests to amend previously certified petitions.

“The department recently published a training and employment guidance letter to explain the operation status of petitions and investigations, fiscal funding and the administration of benefits and services for participants after June 30, 2022. Fiscal Year 2022 program training funds will be available to states through 2025.”