Petitioner Type: Workers
Impact Date: 08/18/2002
Filed Date: 08/19/2003
Most Recent Update: 09/23/2003
Determination Date: 09/23/2003
Expiration Date: 09/23/2005
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-52,603
SIERRA PINE LTD.
MEDITE DIVISION
MEDFORD, OREGON
Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade 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 accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26
USC 2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents
the results of its investigation regarding certification of
eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
(ATAA) for older workers.
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 August 19, 2003, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of the workers at Sierra
Pine, Ltd., Medite Division, Medford, Oregon. The workers
produce fiber board. The workers are not separately
identifiable by product line.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm declined from January through July 2002 when
compared to the same time period in 2003.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of fiber board. This survey
revealed increases in customer imports of fiber board during the
relevant time period.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility
requirements of Section 246 of the Trade Act must be met. The
Department has determined in this case that the requirements of
Section 246 have been met.
A significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or
over and possess skills that are not easily transferable.
Competitive conditions within the industry are adverse.
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 Sierra Pine,
Ltd., Medite Division, Medford, Oregon contributed importantly
to the decline in sales or production and to the total or
partial separation of workers of that firm. In accordance with
the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Sierra Pine, Ltd., Medite Division,
Medford, Oregon who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after August 18, 2002, through two
years from the date of certification are eligible to apply
for adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the Trade
Act of 1974 and are also eligible to apply for alternative
trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade
Act of 1974."
Signed at Washington, D.C., this 23rd day of September, 2003.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
__________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance