DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-50,243

WORTHINGTON STEEL
JACKSON, MICHIGAN


Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for Trade Adjustment
Assistance, the group eligibility requirements in either paragraph
(a)(2)(A) or (a)(2)(B) of Section 222 of the Trade Act must be met.
It is determined in this case that the requirements of (a)(2)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on December 4, 2002 and filed by International Brotherhood
of Teamsters, Local 164 on behalf of workers at Worthington Steel,
Jackson, Michigan. Workers at the subject facility produce slit
and rolled steel.
Investigative findings revealed that subject firm's production
and employment declined in 2002 compared to 2001, and also declined
during January through November 2002, as compared with the same
period in 2001.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of slit and rolled steel during
2000, 2001 and January through November 2002. The survey revealed
that customers increased their imports of slit and rolled steel,
while decreasing purchases from the subject firm during the period
under investigation.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced at Worthington
Steel, Jackson, Michigan contributed importantly to the total or
partial separation of workers and to the decline in sales or
production and at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Worthington Steel, Jackson, Michigan who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after November 26, 2001 through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance
under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 24th day of January 2003.


/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance