Ohio Local Wins TAA Benefits for Laid-Off Delphi Workers

Delphi workers who were laid off in the past year from Packard Electric plants in Ohio are now eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance that provides job training and other aid for workers who are hit hard by imports and offshoring of jobs. IUE-CWA Local 84717, with the help of Representative Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), helped make the benefits a reality.

About 70 members of Local 84717 are eligible. They are among 153 workers who were laid off in late 2008 or early 2009; about 80 have been rehired, Local President Karen Krolopp said.

The local applied for TAA funds in February and reapplied in May, after President Obama's stimulus program expanded the benefits.

A TAA investigation found that sales and production of vehicle wiring and connector parts at Delphi Packard's Ohio plants had decreased during the same period that imports increased.

Krolopp said members have been calling every month asking about the status of the application, and she expects that many of them will take advantage of the opportunity. TAA funds provide for training for new jobs or careers, income support, job search allowance and relocation allowances.

Krolopp thanked Representative Ryan, who she said was instrumental in getting TAA approval.