Georgia Department of Labor
Suite 642 148 International Boulevard N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751 (404)656-3032
February 5, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
QUITMAN AREA WORKERS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR TRA BENEFITS
ATLANTA -- State Labor Commissioner Marti Fullerton said today that former employees of Ithaca Industries, Inc. in Quitman may be eligible for compensation under provisions of the federal Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988.
About 240 workers, who were engaged in the production of men's and boys' undergarments, may be affected. The plant closed last Dec. 19.
Claims by former employees of the company may be filed on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Georgia Department of Labor's Valdosta office at 2808 North Oak St. The telephone number is (912) 333-5211. 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 Dec. 1, 1997 by the U. S. Department of Labor. The petition affects all workers who were partially or totally separated on or after Dec. 4, 1995.
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 $224.
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.
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-98-395
An Equal Opportunity Employer