DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,112
STORA ENSO NORTH AMERICA
STEVENS POINT PAPER MILL
STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN

TA-W-53,112A
STORA ENSO NORTH AMERICA
WHITING PAPER MILL
STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN

TA-W-53,112B
STORA ENSO NORTH AMERICA
KIMBERLY PAPER MILL
KIMBERLY, WISCONSIN

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 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)(B) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition received on October 2, 2003 and filed by a company official on behalf of workers at Stora Enso North America, Stevens Point Paper Mill, Stevens Point, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,112); Whiting Paper Mill, Stevens Point, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,112A); and Kimberly Paper Mill, Kimberly, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,112B). The workers are (were) engaged in employment related to the production of coated free sheet paper or wood free coated paper.
The investigation revealed that subject plants sales and employment declined during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of coated free sheet paper or wood free coated paper products during 2001, 2002 and January through September 2003 over the corresponding 2002 period. The survey revealed that customers increased their reliance on imported coated free sheet paper or wood free coated paper during the relevant period.
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 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 subject facility are over age 50 and do not possess easily transferable skills. Furthermore, competitive conditions within the industry are adverse.
Conclusion:
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles like or directly competitive with coated free sheet paper or wood free coated paper products produced at Stora Enso North America, Stevens Point Paper Mill, Stevens Point, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,112); Stora Enso North America, Whiting Paper Mill, Stevens Point, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,112A); and Stora Enso North America, Kimberly Paper Mill, Kimberly, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,112B), contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of workers and to the decline in sales or production at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:







"All workers of Stora Enso North America, Stevens Point Paper Mill, Stevens Point, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,112) Stora Enso North America, Whiting Paper Mill, Stevens Point, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,112A); and Stora Enso North America, Kimberly Paper Mill, Kimberly, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,112B); who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after March 13, 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, and are also eligible to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974."

Signed in Washington, D. C. this 3rd day of December, 2003.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance