Working For America - Trade Act Programs

Your workplace must be certified by the Department of Labor before you can get individual services under either program. To be certified eligible, the following requirements must be met:

1. that workers have been totally or partially laid off, and

2. that sales or production has declined, and

3. for TAA benefits, that increased imports have contributed importantly to worker layoffs, or

4. for NAFTA-TAA, that increased imports from Canada and Mexico have contributed importantly to

5. worker layoffs or

6. that there has been a shift in production to Canada or Mexico.

Three or more workers -- or their union representative, a company official, or a community-based organization -- can file a petition to be certified for TAA or NAFTA-TAA benefits. Depending on the circumstances, you should consider making application for both programs. A separate petition must be filed for each program. You cannot receive services under both programs. You may prefer TAA's greater flexibility on training services and income support.

Petition forms are included in this brochure and can be obtained from your local One-Stop Career Center or any agency designated by the governor to provide services under these programs.

Your international union or the state AFL-CIO may be able to help you complete the petition. You can also ask for assistance from the local One-Stop.

NOTE: Petitions are often denied because they are filed too soon. The best time to file a petition is approximately 60 days before the anticipated layoff.

A speedy determination of your group's eligibility is required.