WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today announced the decision by the U.S. Department of Labor to certify laid-off Owens-Illinois (O-I) workers in the Clarion area for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).

“This is wonderful news for former Owens-Illinois workers,” said Senator Casey.  “Being granted this Trade Adjustment Assistance will allow for these workers to have access to retraining programs, a Health Coverage Tax Credit as well as other support that will help them get back on their feet in these tough economic times.  This decision is a major step in the community’s response to this unfortunate layoff.  I hope that this combined with the efforts of the Clarion County Commissioners, the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation, other elected officials and myself will help these workers as well as the local economy recover from this loss.”

TAA is a program to provide a variety of training, job search and relocation allowances, as well as income and health insurance support to workers who have lost their jobs due to foreign competition.  TAA helps workers to find new jobs or careers quickly and helps protect the workers and their families while they are unemployed.

Senator Casey sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor to support the O-I workers’ petition earlier this year.