The Post Standard reported that former workers of the bankrupt Crucible Materials Corporation are now eligible for additional unemployment benefits and training.

The US Department of Labor has notified the United Steelworkers of America that union and salaried workers of the company are eligible for extra benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. About 500 workers are eligible for the benefits. That means workers laid off by the company will be eligible to receive up to 130 weeks of unemployment compensation while they are in training programs.

Mr Richard J Knowles the union's sub district director said that "I think it's great news because this puts a whole different set of options out there for the people who are laid off, in particular for those who won't be back to work for some time."

He added that "Workers laid off from the Geddes plant on or after June 16th 2008 will receive letters from the New York State Department of Labor advising them to contact CNYWorks in Syracuse for an appointment for Trade Act Adjustment orientation."

Mr Knowles said that at orientation workers will learn about the training programs available to them and how to apply for benefits. He added that "In addition, laid off workers are eligible for a health insurance tax credit worth up to 80% of their health insurance premium."

It may be noted that Crucible Industries has rehired 200 workers, out of the 730 it employed in 2008, at the mill on State Fair Boulevard.

(Sourced from The Post Standard)