DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-51,998

AMERIPOL SYNPOL CORPORATION
PORT NECHES, TEXAS

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 on June 10, 2003 in response
to a petition filed by the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and
Energy Workers International Union (PACE), Local 4-228, on behalf
of workers of Ameripol Synpol Corporation, Port Neches, Texas. The
workers at the subject firm produce synthetic rubber (emulsion
SBR).
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased absolutely from 2001 to 2002 and during the
period of January through June of 2003 when compared to the same
period in 2002.
The investigation further revealed that the subject firm did
not import synthetic rubber or shift production of synthetic rubber
to a foreign country during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customers regarding their purchases of synthetic rubber.
This survey revealed increases in imports of synthetic rubber
during the period under investigation.
Workers of Ameripol Synpol Corporation, Port Neches, Texas,
were previously certified eligible to apply for trade adjustment
assistance under petition number TA-W-38,425, which expired January
25, 2003.




Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with synthetic rubber produced at
Ameripol Synpol Corporation, Port Neches, Texas 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 Ameripol Synpol Corporation, Port Neches,
Texas who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after January 26, 2003 through two years from
the date of certification are eligible to apply for adjustment
assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 10th day of July, 2003.


/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance