The U.S. Department of Labor says 15 former Hostess workers in Vermont will be eligible for assistance because the company was hurt by foreign imports.
The decision affects 18,000 workers in 48 states laid off from Twinkie-maker Hostess. It includes workers in both Brattleboro and St. Johnsbury.
Qualifying workers will receive case management and re-employment services, and could receive income support while enrolled in training, as well as job search and re-location allowances.
The workers were certified for Trade Adjustment Assistance because an investigation found that increased imports of baked good contributed to decline in sales and eventual layoffs.