The Machinists Union has aggressively lobbied at
both the federal and state level to assist our laid-off workers
on a variety of fronts. This proactive effort paid off, as both
the state and federal efforts delivered additional assistance
in each instance. The final piece of legislative assistance was finalized on March 21st as the U.S. Department of Labor declared all laid-off Boeing Commercial Airplane Group workers in Puget Sound, Spokane, Portland and Wichita are eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). The announcement came in response to a petition filed last year by our Union. The new TAA benefits became effective February 25 - the day the previous benefits expired so there was no time gap.
Trade Act, coupled with federal unemployment extensions, the National Emergency Grant, and extended state benefits mean workers in retraining programs are eligible for up to 113 weeks of benefits (including retraining funds). Keep in mind that is the maximum benefit and length of time will vary depending on the ind-ividual's retraining program. Talk to a QTTP Advisor for specific criteria of each program. To schedule an appointment call, 1-800-235-3453.
Those laid-off workers who do not enroll in retraining could be eligible to receive up to 65 weeks of unemployment benefits.
District 751 President Mark Blondin declared, "While this is great news for our laid-off members, this Union continues to push Boeing to bring work back and create additional jobs. We're working hard to preserve jobs and stop Boeing from sending our work overseas, which is the focus of a current arbitration case and lawsuit. Job security will be a top priority in our contract negotiations this fall. With unemployment rates the highest in the country, it should be of great concern to everyone in this state."
"This Trade Adjustment Assistance coupled with the Extended Unemployment Benefits passed by Congress, as well as the additional benefits the state legislature approved, provide a safety net to help our members during their time of transition," noted Blondin. "Having benefits throughout a two-year training program will enable our members, as well as other laid-off Boeing workers, to focus their efforts on retraining. It is unfortunate that our economy is so bad we are eligible for additional benefits."
Blondin added, "This assistance would not have been possible without the hard work of Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, the entire Washington Congressional Delegation and the state legislature. Our elected officials realize the reality of the job market in Washington state and delivered assistance to help our laid-off members."
In addition to unemployment benefits, workers covered by TAA are also eligible for job search assistance, relocation assistance, as well as supportive services such as child care and transportation.
Below is a brief synopsis of unemployment and training benefits as a result of 751's lobbying efforts. Keep in mind the length of available benefits varies depending on training program.