Georgia Department of Labor - Press Release
Georgia Department of
Labor
Suite 642 148 International Boulevard N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751 (404)656-3032
August 23, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ROYSTON AREA WORKERS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR TRA BENEFITS
ATLANTA -- State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that former employees of Sew Crafters, LLC, in Royston may be eligible for compensation under provisions of the Federal Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988.
About 55 workers, engaged in the production of men's and women's outerwear, may be affected. The plant closed in April.
Claims by former employees of the company will be taken Wednesday, Sept. 1, at the Georgia Department of Labor's Elberton office at 5 Seaboard St. The office telephone number is (706) 2132028. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A Trade Readjustment Assistance (TRA) petition, filed on behalf of employees who lost their jobs due to foreign import competition, was approved on July 22 by the U. S. Department of Labor. The petition's impact date has been determined to be May 7, 1998. All workers separated on or after that date are covered by the petition.
Under the federal law, former workers who are determined to be eligible could receive a total of 78 weeks of jobless benefits, which would include 26 weeks of regular unemployment compensation, plus up to 52 weeks of TRA benefits. Eligible recipients must be either enrolled in approved training, or have that requirement waived, to receive the benefits. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $264.
Claimants will also receive other assistance, including employment counseling, testing, job search grants, placement services and relocation benefits. All available benefits will be discussed individually with each claimant at the time the claim is filed.
file:///E|/pressrel%20from%201-98%20to%20present/a00095.htm (1 of 2)9/22/2004 11:43:05 AM
Georgia Department of Labor - Press Release
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHOULD CALL THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AT (404) 656-3032.
E-mail: communications@dol.state.ga.us.
FY-00-095
An Equal Opportunity Employer
file:///E|/pressrel%20from%201-98%20to%20present/a00095.htm (2 of 2)9/22/2004 11:43:05 AM