Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director for the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the need for Congress to renew funding for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Workers program during its lame-duck session following the midterm elections.
The TAA provided funding for worker retraining programs, worker relocation, job-seeking services and more for trade-affected workers. Funding for the program lapsed on July 1 when Congress failed to renew it.
Samuel explained the need for TAA funding, especially at a time when workers need to be retrained for jobs in the renewable energy sector and for the resurgence of domestic manufacturing. He said Republicans are holding the program hostage in a bid to restart negotiations for the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), which would allow for the expedited congressional consideration of trade agreements.
Samuel also spoke about the need to increase funding to the National Labor Relations Board and shared his thoughts on the Democrats' prospects for maintaining control of Congress.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.