Shaw Seeks Federal Benefits for Displaced Workers

Anderson, SC, Jan. 19, 2009--Shaw Industries in Anderson has petitioned the U.S. Department of Labor for the additional benefits granted under job losses due to overseas competition, according to a story in the Independent Mail.

Should the agency grant the request, the 172 workers will be in line for more benefits, said Teri Gilstrap, area director of the Anderson branch of the South Carolina Employment Commission.

Last month the company said it would close the Anderson plant by Jan. 29, affecting 172 employees. The Anderson Shaw plant makes fibers for carpeting. Shaw acquired the Anderson plant in 2005 when it bought the United States nylon fibers business from Honeywell International.

According to the Labor department’s Web site, Shaw applied for eligibility for Worker Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance, but no determination has been made.

Should the petition be granted, the workers could get health care tax credits, relocation allowance, education expenses and special benefits for workers 50 and older, Gilstrap said.

Al Scruggs, human resources director for manufacturing and distribution at Shaw, said most of the employees have remained on the job, although as fiber lines complete, their work layoffs will start.

“Some of those folks will start being laid off before (Jan. 29) in small numbers,” Scruggs said.

Related Topics:Shaw Industries Group, Inc.