Osram Sylvania workers to receive help in finding new jobs

WALDOBORO – Osram Sylvania workers, who learned last month they will lose their jobs in September 2005, have help coming their way in finding new employment opportunities.

U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and Rep. Tom Allen announced this week that the soon-to-be displaced workers will receive Trade Adjustment Act assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor.

There are 134 employees, who will be affected by the closure.

TAA certification provides the resources necessary for the workers to gain skills needed to return to the workforce.

In November, the lighting parts company announced it would move most of its Waldoboro production to the Czech Republic and close its Route 220 plant following 50 years of operation.

A team of legislators and private and public business officials is planning assistance to workers and will develop a brochure of resources for those employees.

TAA provides assistance for workers who lose their jobs due to foreign competition. Benefits to workers who are newly unemployed include training, education, job search and relocation allowances, and re-employment services including counseling, interview training, and resume assistance. Health care tax credits and unemployment benefits extensions are also established.