LAID-OFF SHOE PLANT WORKERS TO GET ASSISTANCE

The Department of Labor has approved money to help laid-off workers from Brown Shoe Co. plants in Southeast Missouri find new employment.

U.S. Sens. John Danforth and Christopher S. Bond and U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson announced approval of the Worker Adjustment Assistance Friday.

In letters to Labor Secretary Lynn Martin, Danforth, Bond and Emerson urged the department to consider and approve Worker Adjustment Assistance filed by the workers of Brown Co. plants in Benton, Bernie, Fredericktown, Caruthersville and Charleston.

Under the Trade Act of 1974, workers whose employment is adversely affected by increased imports may apply for the funding. Workers may be eligible for training, a job search allowance, a relocation allowance and other re-employment services.

Additionally, weekly trade readjustment allowances may be payable to eligible workers following their exhaustion of unemployment benefits.

"These funds are essential for the workers and families affected by the closing," Danforth said. "The purpose of the funds is to enable people to cope with a terrific hardship by seeking new skills and opportunities."

Bond said: "This action taken by the Department of Labor will be a great help in shepherding the many workers and families distressed by this crisis. By having the opportunity for new training, additional education and job placement, these dedicated individuals can once again be productive and benefit the area's economy."

Emerson said: "This is the much needed help that our workers, their families and our communities were hoping for. This is not the end of our efforts, but indeed the beginning of helping our displaced workers.

Danforth, Bond and Emerson said they are also working to get approval for the Department of Economic Development for funding to prepare an economic adjustment strategy, and if necessary, seek funding to enhance infrastructure in the areas affected by the plant closings.