FORMER VF JEANSWEAR EMPLOYEES ELIGIBLE FOR TRADE READJUSTMENT BENEFITS

TRA Program Provides Help for Unemployed Oklahomans Affected by Layoffs

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – All workers of VF Jeanswear Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of VF Corporation, Okemah, Oklahoma and VF Jeanswear Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of VF Corporation, Coalgate, Oklahoma who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after November 6, 2001 through two years from the date of certification are eligible to apply for Trade Readjustment Assistance.

The Trade Readjustment Assistance program, a federally funded service of the U.S. Department of Labor, provides help to workers affected by job loss or a cut in hours and wages due to foreign competition. Workers may be eligible for training, job search and relocation allowances and other reemployment services. In addition, weekly cash benefits may be paid to eligible employees who are enrolled in approved training. The goal is to help laid off workers return to suitable employment as quickly as possible. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) administers this program in Oklahoma as an agent of the USDOL.

Both VF Jeanswear locations were certified for TRA effective January 18, 2003. Claimants must be enrolled in TRA training eight weeks after certification or 16 weeks after their last qualifying separation to receive TRA benefits. A waiver of training enrollment may be granted by the OESC. Separated employees who would like to take advantage of this assistance should contact their nearest Workforce Oklahoma Local Office at 1-888-840-WORK (9675).

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