In the July 2005 issue of Wood & Wood Products (I did tell you I work at a Big Cabinet Shop, right?) there is an article that illustrates a perfect economic circle – unfortunately.

From the article:

“A petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance filed by employees of Broyhill Furniture Industries’ corporate offices in Lenoir was certified June 13 by the U.S. Department of Labor.”

(quick note – the TAA provides funds for retraining of employees who lose their job because of import competition)

“According to the Lincoln Tribune, under this certification, all employees of the corporate office who lost their jobs or incurred a reduction in hours on or after April 18, 2004 are eligible for TAA benefits. (…)

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) asked the DOL to expedite the petition, filed by employees on May 4, and another petition filed for employees of the two Lenoir plants that will close as a result of consolidation plans announced last month by company officials. (…)”

Here’s the interesting part – as far as I know, Broyhill merged with an overseas competitor in April of 2004. Broyhill’s operations have been “consolidating” with those of the overseas offices and plants ever since, thus causing the state side plants to be shuttered and the offices to be closed.

So – by becoming import competition WITH THEMSELVES they have incurred governmental benefits. Instead of helping Broyhill, the government should be making the company pay for the retraining themselves. But no, Broyhill gets a free ride on this one, keeping their “American Made” name, and importing the majority of their product line from overseas factories.

What a load of cow manure.

But such a perfect circle, don’t you think?