The U.S. Department of Labor has ruled that dozens of workers who lost jobs when International Paper Company closed its corrugated container plant in Bellevue last November are now eligible for the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.

Through Washington’s WorkSource centers, TAA helps retrain and re-employ workers who lost jobs due to international trade. The federally funded program also assists workers with job searches and relocation.

In its ruling, the Department of Labor found that an increase in imported boxes led to the shutdown of the Bellevue plant, which produced containers for seafood and industrial use. The closure last year resulted in the loss of 76 jobs.

Under the certification, the state Employment Security Commissioner and the WorkSource career-development system will work together to provide the workers with unemployment benefits, job training, career counseling and job-search assistance.

“The goal is to help these workers move into new careers that have a more solid future,” said Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause.

Employment Security will notify the affected Bellevue employees by mail, but anyone who may be eligible for assistance should visit his or her local WorkSource center.

Locations of local WorkSource offices may be found by calling toll-free 877-872-5627.