Federal Program Eases Strain on Ohio Employment

Washington, DCA federal program that focuses on unemployment in Ohio has recently qualified up to 4,000 workers in auto-related industries across Ohio for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).


The automotive manufacturing sector has taken a hit in Ohio in recent years, leaving many automotive workers in Ohio unemployed or underemployed. In the shadow of an unstable economy, the availability of jobs in the auto industry is even more uncertain.

"Over the years, our nation has benefited immensely from the work and dedication of those employed in auto-related industries across Ohio," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis in a news release. "Trade Adjustment Assistance is one way we can support these workers as they seek re-employment in promising regional industries that pay family-supporting wages."

The certification affects workers at five Delphi Ohio facilities in Howland, Warren, Rootstown, Vienna and Cortland counties, as well as workers at Cleveland Casting Plant in Cleveland, Ohio.

"These TAA certifications will allow these auto workers to access much needed resources," said Dr. Ed Montgomery, executive director of the White House Council on Automotive Communities and Workers. "The White House council's priority is to work with Secretary Solis and other members of the administration to cut red tape so that workers and communities get the assistance they need today, while trying to create opportunities for growth and revitalization."

Workers aged 50 and older may elect to receive Re-employment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA), which was created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. If a worker obtains new employment at wages of less than $55,000 and less than those earned in adversely affected employment, the RTAA program will pay 50 percent of the difference between the former wage and the new wage, up to $12,000 over a two-year period. RTAA participants may also be eligible for retraining and the Health Coverage Tax Credit.

Workers who apply may receive case management and re-employment services, training in new occupational skills and trade readjustment allowances that provide income support for those enrolled in training. Some workers may also receive job search and relocation allowances and the Health Coverage Tax Credit.

At the end of the day, Ohio employment law can only go so far as to protect the interests of employed workers and provide guidance to employers. However, in the face of job loss, other programs need to step in and fill the void.