American of Martinsville announced last month that it will cut nearly 400 full-time jobs. Those who lose their jobs are eligible to apply for help through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act.
The Trade Act helps those who become unemployed due to trade-related reasons with career counseling, up to two years of training with income support, help with their job search, and relocation allowances.
Officials say job losses at American are a result of the elimination of its wood furniture production in Martinsville and a transition towards reliance on production in China and other Asian countries.
Senator Jim Webb claims that providing assistance through the Trade Act will help these workers during difficult times and that such job losses should force an examination of US trade policies that negatively affect Americans.
For more information on blue-collar jobs,
click here.