Laid-off clothing company workers receive federal help

The U.S. Department of Labor has approved extended assistance for workers who were laid off in December when a southwest Missouri clothing manufacturer shut its doors.

Approximately three dozen workers at Ozark Mountain Apparel in Purdy and Monett will receive two years of extended unemployment benefits and new job training through the government's Trade Adjustment Assistance program.

Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt announced the assistance in a news release last week.

The Trade Adjustment Assistance program offers help to companies that have closed or laid-off workers as a result of increased imports or shifts in production to foreign countries.

A Department of Labor investigation into Ozark Mountain Apparel found that increased imports were a contributing factor to its closure, according to the release.

Ozark Mountain Apparel, which was in business for nearly 20 years, had offices at 121 6th St. in Monett and 206 N. Commercial in Purdy.

Fabric was cut in Monett, shipped to Purdy for final assembly and returned to Monett for distribution.

Other laid-off workers or companies that have closed can apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance; visit www.doleta.gov/tradeact for more information.