The Online Office of Congressman Mike Michaud - Fraser Timber Limited in Ashland, Maine Qualifies for Trade Adjustment Assistance

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Michaud announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) has determined that the workers of Fraser Timber Limited qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) benefits.

"I could not be more pleased with this news and I'm glad that the U.S. Department of Labor recognized the importance of covering all these workers under TAA," Michaud said.

In January, Fraser Timber Limited filed a petition to receive assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA/ATAA). This petition was initially declined. An appeal was filed to the U.S. Department of Labor and it was determined that the workers qualified for TAA and ATAA because increased imports led to the decline in sales and worker layoffs.

"Having yet another certification for Trade Adjustment Assistance reminds us that unfair trade practices continue to cripple our economy," Michaud emphasized. "Our state has lost 23 percent of its manufacturing base since NAFTA. Plain and simple - our trade policies are simply not working and we need to do something about it. I encourage the employees of Fraser Timber Limited to visit the Career Center for information on Trade Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance, and to become aware of the resources that are available to assist in this difficult transition."