Workers laid off at the Cobalt salt plant in Maxton last July may now be eligible to receive special assistance in finding new jobs or entering training programs, according to the state Employment Security Commission.

ESC Chairman Moses Carey Jr. made the announcement following notification from the U.S. Department of Labor that the Trade Adjustment Assistance petition had been approved. Cobalt officials requested the petition.

The Federal Trade Act provides special benefits under TAA to those workers who were laid off, or had hours reduced because their employer was adversely affected by increased imports or services from other countries, or, there was a shift in production/supply of services to other countries.

Company officials said the industry "has been under severe economic pressure due to the current world-wide conditions."

Before the downturn, the Maxton plant had produced about 700 tons of fine powder salt annually.

When the plant announced the layoffs in May, the company said it would do what it could to help its employees. The plant employed about 10 people.

"Umicore recognizes the contribution that the Maxton facility has made over the years and regrets the business conditions have made this decision necessary," the company said in a statement.

Benefits

According to the commission, benefits for former Cobalt workers could include: costs of up to three years in a training program (tuition, books & fees); up to 156 weeks of weekly unemployment allowances (while attending training); job search and relocation allowances; and Health Coverage Tax Credit.

The average cost of an agency approved two-year training program in North Carolina is currently $5,000-$6,000.

Workers who are 50 years or older may be eligible for the Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which is an alternative for older workers who wish to return to employment.

Individuals who lost their jobs from