Harmony Trade Network

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)

A federal program providing American workers who have lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade with job training and other support.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Additional Information

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a federal program in the United States that provides support and assistance to workers who have been negatively affected by international trade. It is designed to help workers who have lost their jobs or experienced reduced hours and wages because of increased imports or the shift of production to foreign countries.

The TAA program aims to help workers make a successful transition to new employment by providing a range of services and benefits. These include job training, reemployment services, income support, and healthcare coverage. Additionally, the program may offer assistance for job search and relocation expenses.

One of the main purposes of TAA is to help workers develop new skills that are in demand in the current labor market. This can involve offering training programs in various industries and occupations, such as healthcare, information technology, or advanced manufacturing. The goal is to equip workers with the necessary skills to find employment in industries that are less vulnerable to international trade pressures.

To qualify for TAA, workers must be able to demonstrate that their job loss or reduced hours and wages were directly caused by foreign competition. This can be done by showing that their employer moved production to another country, that increased imports contributed to layoffs, or that they are in a trade-impacted industry as identified by the government. Once eligibility is determined, workers can access the various benefits and services offered under the program.

It is important to note that TAA is not limited to manufacturing workers. It also covers workers in services industries, such as call centers or customer support, where jobs can be easily relocated offshore. The program recognizes that workers in all sectors can be negatively impacted by international trade.

TAA is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor in collaboration with state workforce agencies. The program is funded by the federal government and operates under the Trade Act of 1974. Over the years, the TAA program has undergone reforms and expansions to better serve the needs of workers affected by globalization and changing trade dynamics.

An interesting fact about TAA is that it also provides assistance to firms that have been adversely affected by imports. This component of the program, known as the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF), helps eligible companies with technical assistance to improve their competitiveness and adjust to import competition.

In conclusion, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a federal program in the United States that provides support and assistance to workers who have been negatively affected by international trade. It aims to help workers transition to new employment by offering job training, reemployment services, income support, healthcare coverage, and other benefits. The program recognizes that workers in all sectors can be impacted by trade, and it is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. TAA also includes a component that assists firms affected by imports.