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Ryan Wants Benefits for Locked Out RMI Workers
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-17 Niles, yesterday introduced legislation that would allow locked out workers to remain eligible for benefits through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. The legislation is a direct result of the lockout at RMI Titanium in Niles, where some 170 union members have been off the job since late October.Under current law, if a worker is laid off due to the effects of international trade, he or she may be deemed eligible to receive TAA benefits such as income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit. However, if an eligible person is recalled to their job and then locked out, existing law does not permit TAA benefits to continue. Ryan's bill would remedy this problem and allow locked out workers -- such as those at RMI Titanium -- who were previously eligible for TAA benefits to receive those benefits even if they were recalled to work and then locked out. "This is a loophole in the Trade Adjustment Assistance program that needs to be fixed. Once you are eligible for these benefits, you should remain eligible," said Ryan. "I intend to work closely with my colleagues in Congress to do what we can to help these workers.""