Trade Adjustment Assistance for Employers

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is available to assist workers experiencing job loss due to US Foreign Trade. Loss of employment could be a result of increased imports, a shift in operations to foreign countries or a shift in the supply chain. 

The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) identifies eligible worker groups within a certified petition. A petition may be filed by: 

• three or more workers in the same firm or subdivision; 
• the worker’s employer; 
• A union official or other duly authorized representative of such workers; or 
• Workforce Center operators or partners (including state workforce agencies and dislocated worker units).

A petition must be filed within one year from the date on which the workers were separated or had their hours and wages reduced. Upon receiving a petition, USDOL initiates an investigation on whether the circumstances of the layoff meet eligibility criteria. USDOL determines eligibility for TAA benefits and services within a certified petition by identifying the parameters of the worker group as well as the span of qualifying lay-off dates. 

Workers in a certified group will be notified by KDOL (Kansas Department of Labor) at which time the worker is encouraged to apply for an individual eligibility determination.

Employer Benefits

• No cost to employer
• Demonstrates your investment in the community and workers
• Enhances community and employee perception of company
• Supports local training providers
• Increases the local labor pool