Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-6) announced that workers at Scioto Plastics, LLC in Franklin Furnace and Severstal in Mingo Junction have qualified for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) through the U.S. Department of Labor under the Recovery Act.

With this TAA certification, the workers are now eligible for re-training benefits through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The Department of Labor investigated in response to a petition filed on Feb. 25, 2010 on behalf of Scioto Plastics, LLC workers.  The investigation concluded that all workers of Scioto Plastics, LLC who were engaged in the production of plastic components, and who faced total or partial job loss on or after Feb. 24, 2009 are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance up to two years from the date of certification.

The workers had produced plastic components for toys, speakers, and other devices.  The Department of Labor concluded that the increased reliance on importing plastic components contributed to many of the workers losing their jobs.

In addition, the Department of Labor announced that workers at a Severstal facility in Mingo Junction have been certified as eligible for TAA benefits.  In addition, workers at this facility are eligible to receive funds from a National Emergency Grant (NEG) through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.  With the combination of these benefits, dislocated workers will receive a broad range of employment services designed to enable them to find work again.

“My top priority has always been getting Ohioans back to work,” Wilson said.  “These TAA benefits will provide workers with valuable training so they can get back on their feet and find another job.”