Courtney, Osten Announce Federal Assistance for Fusion Paperboard Workers

Trade Adjustment Assistance will help workers gain new skills

Sprague, CT—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2 ) and Sprague First Selectwoman and State Senator Cathy Osten announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has approved the petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) on behalf of the displaced workers of Fusion Paperboard. Congressman Courtney wrote a letter to U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez in August supporting the petition for TAA for Fusion workers.

“Today’s decision will provide critical help for Fusion workers and their families. TAA provides crucial transitional support and job retraining that will help get Fusion workers back on the job with the skills they need to be successful. After the sudden closure of Fusion, this is an important step in the recovery process for both the workforce and the town of Sprague. Cathy Osten has been a steadfast advocate for these workers, and I will continue to work with her to help them move forward,” said Congressman Courtney.

“We are absolutely thrilled that the federal government, and Joe Courtney in particular, have stepped up to get the workers at Fusion validated for TAA. This program will provide important, necessary resources to help them move on,” said First Selectwoman Osten.

Trade Adjustment Assistance helps workers who are displaced due to trade imbalances by providing workers with benefits and services to help them find new jobs. According to DOL, TAA provides “job retraining, job search and relocation allowances, income support, and assistance with healthcare premium costs. These services are administered by cooperating state agencies using federal funds.” Workers will apply individually for assistance administered by the state through existing programs.

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