DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,165

THERMAL CERAMICS, RPC
ELGIN, ILLINOIS

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, as
amended (19 USC 2273), the Department of Labor herein presents
the results of an 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 on October 8, 2003 in
response to a petition filed by the Union of Needle Trades,
Industrial, and Textile Employees, Local 2405, on behalf of
workers at Thermal Ceramics, RPC, Elgin, Illinois. The workers
produce high temperature insulation.
The preponderance in the declines in employment at the
subject facility is related to a shift in production of high
temperature insulation to a country (Canada) that is a party to
a free trade agreement with the United States.
In addition, in order for the Department to issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for alternative trade
adjustment assistance (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 there was a shift in production
from the workers' firm or subdivision to Canada of articles that
are like or directly competitive with those produced by the
subject firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions
of the Act, I make the following certification:


"All workers of Thermal Ceramics, RPC, Elgin, Illinois, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after October 1, 2002 through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assis-
tance 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 24th day of October 2003.

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