Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities

(D) Describe how the state provides early intervention (e.g., Rapid Response) to worker groups on whose behalf a Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition has been filed. (Section 134(a)(2)(A).) This description must include how the state disseminates benefit information to provide trade-affected workers in the groups identified in the TAA petitions with an accurate understanding of the provision of TAA benefits and services in such a way that they are transparent to the trade-affected dislocated worker applying for them (Trade Act Sec. 221(a)(2)(A) and Sec. 225; Governor-Secretary Agreement). Describe how the state will use funds that have been reserved for Rapid Response to provide services for every worker group that files a TAA petition.

The federal government provides additional services to workers whose jobs are lost, or hours greatly reduced, due to foreign trade or shifts in production out of the United States. The Trade Act program is administered, staffed, and implemented by DWDAL and DUI, alongside the state’s Local Areas. While not all job loss due to foreign competition meets the requirements of the Trade Act, the Rapid Response team will work with businesses to provide information on Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and the benefits workers can receive if a business is certified as trade-affected. A business, union, the Rapid Response team, or the workers themselves can file a trade petition with the USDOL.

Rapid Response activities are offered to all worker groups notified of a layoff when the DSU receives a WARN or when notified of potential layoffs. The Rapid Response Team or Business Solutions Representative works with businesses to schedule Rapid Response information sessions for impacted workers. During these sessions, workers are informed of the various services offered by the local AJC and the UI program. When it is determined that a potential Trade impact exists, workers are informed of the Trade program benefits and options available. These individuals may receive services through their local AJC, as appropriate, prior to their certification of eligibility to apply for benefits and services under the Trade Act programs. Rapid Response funds will be utilized to provide layoff aversion activities.

These activities include recruitment events to create business connections, to support Local Area initiatives to re-train and to provide supportive services. The DSU reviews WARN notices and works with businesses to determine if a petition can be filed as early as possible to speed the process for Trade approval. If a worker has been dislocated and is waiting for TAA eligibility determination, that person can receive career services at the local center. Once a petition is approved, DSU staff notify impacted workers of the additional benefits available under Trade and how to apply. Rapid Response funds are utilized to provide assistance to Local Areas in situations where the layoff event results and a need beyond the availability of local resources, including TAA assistance. Local Boards may request additional Rapid Response funds as needed to supplement other funding to serve impacted workers that may not seek assistance under Trade. 

TAA, offered at no cost to employers, allows impacted workers to access an even wider array of services for which they would not otherwise be eligible. Once the adversely affected workers become certified under the Trade program, DUI is notified and mails out letters to each of the impacted workers of the Trade certified company. The Special Program Unit and the DSU place advertisements in local papers and/or via online publication, announcing that the company has been Trade Certified and providing instructions for next steps.

The DSU sends out packets to the impacted workers on the eligibility list that include a letter notifying them of the TAA certification, dates, times and locations where they can attend a Trade Information Session, and information on Rapid Response services. A Trade informational session (or multiple sessions) is delivered by the DSU Field Representative in coordination with the Trade Readjustment Allowance Coordinator from DUI, and Trade Program case managers local to the impacted workers. All services and benefits for which participants may be eligible based on their approved petition identifier, are presented during these events. Investigations may take several months and are concluded when USDOL makes a Trade Determination.

Irrespective of the USDOL determination, an initial Rapid Response is always offered and arranged whenever possible for workers affected by business closings, regardless of the size of the dislocation, and whether or not a WARN was received. Maryland strives to ensure all workers receive the same services and information consistently and effectively. All impacted workers may still receive services in any one of the AJCs. Once the notice of Trade Certification is received, they may transition over to the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program if they choose to take advantage of the additional services provided to them under their corresponding certification number.

The TAA Program, outlined in PI 2019-11 Trade Adjustment Assistance, enables adversely affected workers to prepare for reemployment as quickly as possible by allowing Trade-impacted participants to work individually with a case manager located in one of the statewide AJCs. The case manager will work with the DSU to enroll eligible participants in the Trade Program. Participants will be co-enrolled whenever possible, as co-enrollment allows the individual to receive career services, reemployment services, training, and support services. Funding for both programs is available at each of the AJCs. Individuals eligible for Dislocated Worker Services and TAA Services are provided career services with the same case manager, providing a seamless approach to the development of an Individualized Employment Plan.

Case management begins with an initial assessment of the individual’s skills, interests, abilities, and goals. Marketable and transferable skills are identified during this assessment process, as well as matching existing skills to available, suitable employment with local employers. Many times the trade petition is certified well after the assessment process, and because MD Labor has a co-enrollment process, the individual can continue working with the same case manager while being provided services and benefits under both the WIOA Title I Dislocated Worker program and the Trade program.

After the assessment is completed, if it is determined that the individual requires retraining in order to become reemployed in suitable employment, the case manager will continue working with the individual to develop a training plan. Participants must research training programs and requirements. They may access statewide Labor Market Information for this purpose. Training is approved if (1) the proposed training meets the six criteria for approval of training under the Trade Act, and (2) Federal Trade funds are available. The TAA state Merit staff review and make final determinations on retraining plans, ensuring they meet the Federal requirements under the Trade Act. Co-enrollment continues through the end of the retraining program ensuring the needs of the individual are met.

Maryland strives to provide high quality, integrated services that meet customer needs. When assisting trade-impacted individuals, all partners work together to provide accurate and consistent information. Both MD Labor divisions and the case manager working with the individual must collaborate when developing Individualized Employment Plans. The case manager must gather accurate information during the entire training program to provide progress updates and report on benchmarks, and to ensure that the Trade Readjustment Allowance deadlines are met. This is of paramount importance, as the individual must be able to enter and complete the retraining program in the required amount of time with the financial support provided. The DSU and the DUI Special Programs Unit work hand in hand in an effort to provide TAA training and Trade Readjustment Allowance support without interruption and in compliance with Program rules and guidance for the duration of their services.