Staff report
The 185 Hanesbrands employees who lost their jobs when the company’s China Grove plant closed Dec. 31 are now eligible for extra benefits.
The Salisbury office of the N.C. Employment Security Commission has been notified the employees qualify for the federal Trade Adjustment Act program.
An unspecified number of employees who worked for Diversco and also lost their jobs will also qualify for the benefits. Diversco provided cleaning and related services at the plant.
Debbie Davis, manager of the local Employment Security Commission office, said the benefits include extended unemployment payments and paid schooling for up to two years.
Those who qualify can also get help paying their health insurance premiums.
Davis said the the education benefit can be used through Rowan-Cabarrus Community College or several other schools.
Former Hanesbrands employees should call 704-639-7529 to learn more about the benefits available.
Hanesbrands is the first Rowan plant closing to qualify for the federal benefits program in the current wave of layoffs.
Employees at a former Jockey plant in Davie County will also qualify for Trade Adjustment benefits. The Jockey plant, which closed last year, had dozens of Rowan County residents among its employees.