Former Employees of Black and Decker Power Tools v. Chao

**Former Black and Decker Workers Win Right to Apply for Federal Aid** This case involved former employees of Black and Decker Power Tools who lost their jobs and wanted access to a federal program called Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). This program provides benefits like retraining, extended unemployment benefits, and job search help to workers who lose jobs due to foreign trade competition. Initially, the Department of Labor had denied these workers' eligibility for the program. However, after reviewing the case again, the Department reversed its decision and determined that the former Black and Decker employees were indeed eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance. The Court of International Trade agreed with this revised decision and dismissed the case, meaning the workers got the outcome they wanted. **Why This Matters for Workers:** This ruling demonstrates that workers have options when they disagree with government decisions about benefit eligibility. Even if initially denied, workers can challenge these decisions through the legal system. More importantly, it shows that employees who lose jobs due to international competition may qualify for special federal assistance programs that go beyond regular unemployment benefits. Workers facing plant closures or layoffs due to foreign trade should explore whether they might be eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance programs.