Petitioner Type: Union
Impact Date: 11/13/2002
Filed Date: 11/18/2003
Most Recent Update: 01/13/2004
Determination Date: 01/13/2004
Expiration Date: 01/13/2006
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-53,562
WEYERHAEUSER
LONGVIEW FINE PAPER
LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON
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), 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 November 18, 2003 in response to a petition filed by Association of Western Pulp & Paper Workers, Local 680, on behalf of workers of Weyerhaeuser, Longview Fine Paper, Longview, Washington. The workers at the subject division produce fine papers and pulp.
The investigation revealed that sales and production declined absolutely during the period of January through October 2003 when compared to the same period in 2002.
Furthermore, the preponderance in the declines in employment at the subject division is related to a shift in production of fine paper to a country (Canada) which is party to a free trade agreement with the United States.
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 determine that there was a shift in production from the workers’ firm or subdivision to Canada of fine papers 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:
"Workers engaged in employment related to the production of pulp and fine papers at Weyerhaeuser, Longview Fine Paper, Longview, Washington, who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after November 13, 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 in Washington, D.C., this 13th day of January 2004.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance