Laid-off Geiger employees qualify for federal aid.
LEWISTON – More than 20 workers at Geiger lost their jobs primarily because of foreign competition, and are eligible for job training and other services, the U.S. Department of Labor ruled on Tuesday.
Trade Adjustment Assistance helps workers find new jobs. It also provides for education, travel and relocation costs for those seeking new careers.
The program has gained importance in Maine, as the manufacturing base is expected to shrink for several years, largely due to the impact of global trade. State officials distributed about $5 million in TAA funds last year.
Companies such as Acorn Products of Lewiston and Penley Corp. of West Paris have tapped the program to give workers as many options as possible in the wake of layoffs.
“I think that time is of the essence for those who have been displaced,” said Pete Geiger, executive vice president. “It can’t happen too soon. Obviously we’re pleased that the government has moved so quickly.”
The announcement came from U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, who met with Labor Secretary Elaine Chao in Portland Friday to discuss health care and other business issues. Snowe chairs the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. She also is a member of the Finance Committee, which oversees the TAA program.
“Department of Labor certification of the application by the workers at these facilities assures that Geiger Brothers workers will have access to federal assistance,” Snowe said.
Earlier this month, Snowe appealed to Chao with a letter of endorsement for Geiger, best known as publisher of the Farmers’ Almanac.
“As you know, manufacturing positions are few in number in this market, causing many to consider retraining, but above all, requiring employment services,” Snowe wrote in the letter, dated April 3. “An approved TAA petition for these workers would be of tremendous help to them in finding their way back to a secure income.”
Geiger said 22 people were laid off from the company’s Lewiston plant this year. Workers there manufacture pocket day planners, among other products. Competition from China, Korea and other countries has hurt sales here.
Geiger maintains headquarters and a manufacturing plant in Lewiston, while operating through 23 offices nationwide. Of the 425 or so local employees, about 200 work in the plant, which is the last one in the United States making this variety of planners, Geiger said.
There are no layoffs pending, he said, but the business is cyclical. Company officials continue to work on new ways to compete in the global marketplace.
“I’m hoping that we can hold onto the business we have,” Geiger said. “You have to be hopeful, but you have to be realistic.”
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