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Trade Act news about Medquist - Merry Christmas from poodlepassion

Posted: Dec 24, 2009

I spoke to a representative of the Trade Act in person today to ask some questions. I learned this and want to share it to help empower those who feel hopeless this season:

-All states are participating in the Trade Act.

-There was an old version of the Trade Act which necessitated that you be laid off by your company to benefit with the Trade Act. The new version (ending with #7, not #6) starting in February 2009 allows those still working to enroll in the program.

-Medquist has already been included in the program in case your representative asks.

-The program helps you to find another transcription job or train for another occupation while still working at Medquist.

-The process is this: Call the representative in your state (Google "Trade Act" or "One Stop" employment in your state). They'll need information from you like your SS# and mailing address. They will send you a packet to send in to your state to get you enrolled. It generally takes 4-6 weeks for them to complete the paperwork. They will notify you of your benefits after that time.

-Don't wait to get laid off for any reason. Be prepared.

THERE IS LIFE AFTER MEDQUIST.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Trade ACT - bmot

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for sharing. I'm on my last nerve with this MQ and their BS.

Thanks for the info! Now this is a great Christmas - dnr

[ In Reply To ..]
present! Hopefully I will get my retraining paid for that I have been doing.

You've been busy - Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks so much for sharing. I'm too old to even think about a new career, but I truly hope everyone at the Q takes advantage of this - sooner rather than later.

I'm not exactly a spring chicken. - dnr

[ In Reply To ..]
54 - Although not totally ancient, a bit old for starting all over, but I guess ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

I'm over 50 as well. nm - poodlepassion

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

You get to choose a career, and if - poodlepassion

[ In Reply To ..]
it is in demand, they will pay for it. I think that's a great deal.

once you go to the one stop site... what to you look for? - how do you get packet?

[ In Reply To ..]
??? I am so slow, I swear.

I look at all of the selections and I have no idea where to go? I am still working, but you said takes 4 to 6 weeks, so what do I do?

Go to the One-Stop location, or call them. . . - poodlepassion

[ In Reply To ..]
I actually visited mine. They have limited hours since California cut back on all their government jobs (now only Mon., Tues., Wed.) They have a myriad of information on career information specific to your state, also websites for comparing salaries and prerequisites for different careers, etc. If you just call them, ask for the person in charge of the Trade Act information. In southern California, there are only 2 for the whole region. One is dedicated to Spanish-speaking people only (!). I called the man responsible a week ago and he finally returned my call today. I told him I work for Medquist, gave him my name, SS# and address. He's going to mail out my packet. He told me to fill it out first and that I would get something from them that says I am enrolled in about 4-6 weeks. At that time I could make an appointment with him that will take about 90 minutes, sort-of an interview to see what I would like to do, and how they can help me. I couldn't believe all of this existed.

thank you - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I went to the One Stop, went through the orientation, spoke to the rep re: TAA over the phone. He told me I needed a separate application from HR, regarding when I will be laid off, etc. Maybe he was not aware of the new TAA law, I will try again. Thank you for sharing.

Trade Act Sounds like cradle-to-grave to me - US "gone rogue MQ MT"

[ In Reply To ..]
I lost total respect for the Q when I learned how they had sent such sensitive info outside the US. Each month my disrespect got worse towards the American MT.

I haven't looked into the Trade Act, but I don't want to live in a cradle-to-grave society--not in America. Not sure what my next move will be, but MQ certainly educated us well in being CYNICAL!

I still say Merry Christmas, which Americans (not CBay) totally understand!

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