Assistance

[diogenes]

Here are a couple of ideas that may work for you.

The Workforce Investment Act is a federal program that applies to displaced employees, and it does apply to furloughed U employees. It provides assistance for re-education, OJT, and other resources. There are limitations. For instance, you cannot already have a degree. The training cannot directly lead to self-employment. But if you want to finish your education, get a two-year degree or learn a trade, this is the ticket. The $$$ can be a total of $5200. In NC, the program is administered by the ESC. Contact them and ask about the WIA.

Get Publication 970 from your IRS office - Tax Benefits for Education. There are a lot of angles for deductions of education expenses. The Hope Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit are significant tax credits.

If you piece these deals together, you can make a substantial dent in educational expenses.

Please share this with your co-workers, and make sure your local lodges are aware of it.

Now, has anybody come up with an angle on reasonable health insurance? 😉

 

[livingontheedge]

Diogenes,

I am taking the EO at the end of July-I took a 24% pay cut so I've got to go-do you know if EO folks can take advantage of the WIA program? I had emailed and written to the folks in Raleigh who administer the program but have received no response.

Thanks

 

[diogenes]

IIRC, you are in one of those dreaded 'gray' areas.

The first answer you are likely to get from the ESC is no.

I understand LL1725 has asked a RDU based labor attorney, Mike Okum, to bring one representative case before the ESC. The contention will be, the EO's are predicated on cheaper replacement workers, and are a de facto furlough.

I would recommend that you;

a. Contact the IAM at LL1725 http://www.machinists1725.org/ and tell them your situation. There is an update at this link regarding the case.
b. Assuming you are fleet service, contact LL2444 president Craig Bodford (DN 767-9717) and explain your situation.
c. At some point, you will need to make an appointment with the ESC, and find out where you stand. Obviously, it would be better to have some answers in hand before you go.

If you want to PM me with some particulars, I will find out what I can, and let you know.