Over 250 Former American Airlines Workers In Tulsa Eligible For Help

Workers laid off from American Airlines in Tulsa have been ruled eligible for the Trade Readjustment Assistance program by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Trade Readjustment Assistance provides help to those who lose jobs or significant work hours because of increased imports or a shift in production out of the country.

In its ruling, the Department of Labor found that an estimated 251 former Aircraft Maintenance and Related workers for American Airlines in Tulsa meet all requirements to receive TRA according to the Trade Act of 1974.

In a news release from the Department of Labor, there are three criteria to qualify for TRA.

First, workers must be laid off or threatened with layoff. Next, employer sales or production must decrease. Finally, increased imports of products like or directly competitive with the firm's products must contribute to layoffs or the threat of layoffs.

Once certified, TRA recipients must enroll in training. TRA-certified workers can access services such as income support, relocation and job search allowances, and health coverage tax credits.

The Department of Labor report concludes "all workers of American Airlines, Tulsa International Airport, Aircraft Maintenance and Related, including on-site leased workers from Aerotek Inc., CornerStone Staffing, Johnson Service Group, Accounting Principals and On Assignment, Tulsa, Oklahoma, who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after September 19, 2011, through November 15, 2014, and all workers in the group threatened with total or partial separation from employment on November 15, 2012, through November 15, 2014, are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under Chapter 2 of Title II of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended."

Impacted employees who want to apply for TRA should contact their nearest Workforce Oklahoma Center at 1-888-980-WORK.