When Honeywell International Security Group representatives announced in August they would cut nearly 300 jobs in the company's Skaneateles Falls manufacturing division, reactions rippled throughout central New York with officials wondering how to respond.

Now, U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer announced a federal package to help those production workers find other jobs. The Trade Adjustments Assistance applies to 93 of those workers and will provide aid, wages and training services for those employees who are facing unemployment within the coming 10 months.

The program helps workers who lose their jobs as a direct result of imports. Honeywell is moving its manufacturing operations to Suzhou, China.

“There is nothing more disheartening than losing a job, which is one of the reasons why Congress set up the TAA system in the first place,” Schumer stated in a press release. “These payments and training programs are made to help workers get back on their feet and help them find a decent job as soon as possible.”

This federal program offers a variety of benefits and services to help those laid-off workers prepare for and find employment.

Benefits include training for another job or career. Recipients can receive up to 104 weeks of approved training in occupational skills, basic or remedial education, or training in literacy or English as a second language.

Besides employment support, workers also receive weekly cash payments for up to a year after unemployment compensation benefits run out.

This allows former employees to participate in training programs.

People also can receive reimbursement for expenses for seeking employment outside of their immediate region. If a worker finds a job outside of their normal commuting area, they can receive money to assist them in relocating.

There's an alternative program that assists older employees who may not be able to retrain for different careers.