Boralex workers eligible for trade assistance

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Workers at Maine Wood Recycling Inc in Ashland, Boralex Sherman LLC in Stacyville and Wausau Paper Specialty Products LLC in Jay are now eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance.
    Investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor indicate that these Maine workers lost their jobs as a direct result of increased imports.
    “The number of Trade Adjustment Assistance applications filed, and the frequency of their approvals, demonstrates just how tough this economy has been on these firms and others throughout Maine. The granting of this assistance is positive news for these workers, who will now be eligible for assistance that will help them get back on their feet,” said Michaud.
    Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a Department of Labor program that helps workers who have lost their jobs as a result of increased imports or a shift of production outside of the United States. TAA provides trade-affected workers with a variety of reemployment services and benefits to help them find new jobs and get back to work.
    “While these benefits will provide these workers with important skills assessments, training and job search assistance, nothing can replace a job.  That’s why I will continue to promote trade policies in our country that benefit U.S. workers and businesses.  I am pleased that over 120 members of Congress are now supporting the TRADE Act, a bill I introduced that will put our domestic industries on a level playing field with our foreign competitors,” said Michaud.