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Trade Adjustment Assistance (Trade Act of 1974, As Amended):

The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program is a federal program established under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. The TAA Program provides aid to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports.

The goal is to help such laid-off workers return to suitable employment as quickly as possible. TAA offers a variety of benefits and reemployment services to assist unemployed workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment. Workers may be eligible for training, job search and relocation allowances, income support and other reemployment services. 

Company officials may file a petition for certification as an affected employer or a petition may be filed by a group of three or more workers, by their union or other authorized representative. The U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., makes the final determination on certifications. Workers on whose behalf a petition is filed must be, or have been, employed regularly at the firm or subdivision identified in the petition. Workers employment must be, or have been, related to the production of articles (products) described in the petition.

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) administers this program through its Workforce Center network. For additional information or assistance, please contact the VEC Trade Act Unit in Richmond at (804) 786-8825 or the nearest VEC Workforce Center.