Workers at American Keeper Corporation eligible for federal assistance

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced a ruling by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that certain employees of American Keeper Corporation including on-site leased workers from Alpha Placement Service, in New Castle, are eligible to receive services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.

The TAA program is made available to workers who are displaced due to foreign imports or shifts in production out of the country.                                                                                          

The federal ruling was issued on January 13, 2010 and applies to workers totally or partially separated from employment on or after July 24, 2008 through two years from the date of certification. The workers produced central velocity joint boots, steering column boots and other small automotive parts.                                     

The TAA program provides benefits to help unemployed workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment. They may be eligible for a variety of re-employment services, job search and relocation allowances and training. In addition, weekly trade re-adjustment allowances may be payable to eligible workers following the exhaustion of employment insurance benefits.           

Additionally, DOL issued a certification for Re-employment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA) for separated older workers at the New Castle facility. It was found that a significant number of workers at the company age 50 and over possess skills that are not easily transferable and that competitive conditions within the industry are adverse. Older workers may choose between regular TAA benefits or a wage subsidy of 50 percent of the difference between their new salary and old salary, up to $12,000.

Eligible workers may obtain information at their local WorkOne center. A listing of all of the centers can be found at www.workoneworks.com.