For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, October 25, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Dan Boren announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor has approved Trade Adjustment Assistance for employees affected by Ethan Allen’s plant closure in Atoka.  Boren sent a letter to the federal agency on Oct. 10 to express his support for the request and to push for timely consideration.

 

“I am pleased we are able to make this assistance available,” Boren said.  “My office has been working closely with local and state leaders to ensure the affected employees receive assistance as soon as possible.”

 

The TAA Program was established in 1974 to provide aid to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports.  Assistance through the program includes job training, income support, and a job search and relocation allowance.  The Department of Labor noted in their decision that “there was a shift in production from the workers firm … to foreign countries.”

 

“We are all in this together,” Boren said.  “And we are committed not only to helping the community through this difficult time but also to attracting new jobs to Atoka.”

 

Affected employees can contact the Durant Workforce Oklahoma Center at 580-924-1828 or in person at 4310 Hwy. 70 West in Durant (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday).  Those needing further information or assistance are encouraged to contact Congressman Boren’s office in McAlester at 918-423-5951.

 

As the county’s largest employer, Atoka’s Ethan Allen plant has had a significant economic impact on the region.  The plant’s annual payroll is approximately $4 million and its closure is expected to result in the loss of 200 jobs.

####