Narrative: a. 2. D.

As the administrator of Trade Adjustment Assistance Act services, the VDOL is able to quickly address the needs of trade-affected workers. When the VDOL becomes aware of a layoff event, either through an individual or upon notification by a company, several actions are taken. VDOL staff immediately contacts the business to investigate the information. Then VDOL staff schedule a Rapid Response presentation in order to inform the affected workers of the services available to them through the American Job Centers, including Wagner-Peyser, WIOA employment and training, education and unemployment insurance. VDOL staff reach out to the employer implicated in the layoffs to determine if the employer is willing to hold the presentation on the employer’s premises and how best to schedule the session. If it is not feasible to hold the presentation at the employer’s worksite, the VDOL schedules the presentation at AJCs or elsewhere, depending on the size of the event and the number of affected workers. The VDOL uses Rapid Response funds to carry out these pre-certification activities for worker groups.

VDOL staff gather information from the workers and employers to determine whether Trade Adjustment Assistance may be applicable. If that is the case, then the VDOL files a petition on behalf of the trade-affected workers to request an eligibility verification from USDOL, and receives either a certification or denial. When a federal TAA petition certification is granted, the VDOL notifies workers in writing of the federal certification of the TAA petition, and informs the workers of the services to which they are entitled. The VDOL also organizes public informational presentations on the workforce development services available to workers, and the ability of the AJC staff to assist them with re-employment. The VDOL publicizes the schedule of the presentations by directly contacting workers by letter, email, or phone, by issuing press releases, and posting notices on the VDOL website. At the informational presentations, VDOL staff engage with workers to schedule individual meetings with case managers. Staff from the VDOL’s unemployment insurance division are also present to present the services available, and inform workers the filing dates and deadlines.

The VDOL works to ensure that TAA workers are informed of and receive every service available, including co-enrollment in the WIOA dislocated worker and other programs. These services include case management through the provision of basic and individualized career services in the AJCs. The focus is on skill-assessment and retraining workers who need further skills in order to obtain employment in emerging, in-demand occupations. As the WIOA Title I administrator, the VDOL is especially well placed to ensure the alignment and coordination of funds and activities between WIOA adult and dislocated worker programs, and the statewide Rapid Response activities. This is due to the administration of the Rapid Response outreach events, including job fairs or hiring events, by the same division responsible for administering the WIOA adult and dislocated worker programs. The VDOL is consequently able to leverage WIOA Title I program resource in response to a layoff or facility closure. This dual-program role enables the VDOL to combine dislocated worker activities with TAA activities for trade-affected workers, helping to avoid duplication of services.