WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) today announced that workers at Stanley Furniture Young America in Robbinsville, NC are eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), as well as Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) for older workers. In April, increased imports caused Stanley to close its Young America manufacturing plant in Robbinsville, and Stanley has announced that over 300 workers will lose their jobs next month. Graham County has the highest unemployment rate of any county in the state.

"The Trade Adjustment Assistance program is a critical lifeline for distressed workers in North Carolina and across the country, who are retooling their skill sets after their jobs have been lost due to foreign competition," said Senator Hagan. "It is my hope that these highly-skilled and hard-working employees will be able to continue working in this facility under a new owner, but in the meantime, it is critical that they be able to access the job training, skills development, and support they need to continue providing for their families. My office stands ready to help workers apply for this assistance."

In April, Hagan urged the Department of Labor to approve Stanley Furniture's petition for TAA benefits. The letter can be read here.

TAA provides extended income support, training, job search and relocation benefits to workers who lose their jobs for trade-related reasons. ATAA is a wage insurance program for workers age 50 or older, for whom retraining is not a cost-effective option. Individuals who qualify for TAA or ATAA should consult their local One-Stop Career Center to learn about applying for this assistance. For more information about area Career Centers, click here.

They can also contact Hagan's state headquarters for assistance at 877-852-9462.

Source: Sen. Kay Hagan