Petitioner Type: Workers
Impact Date:
Filed Date: 12/05/2003
Most Recent Update: 01/06/2004
Determination Date: 01/06/2004
Expiration Date:
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-53,719
BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF MISSOURI
A DIVISION OF WELLPOINT HEALTH NETWORKS
SPRINGFIELD OFFICES
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility to Apply for
Worker 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.
The investigation was initiated on December 5, 2003, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at BlueCross
BlueShield of Missouri, a division of WellPoint Health Networks,
Springfield Offices, Springfield, Missouri. Workers at the subject
facility are engaged in data entry related to health insurance
claims.
The investigation revealed that the petitioning workers of
this firm or subdivision do not produce an article within the
meaning of Section 222 of the Act. The Department of Labor has
consistently determined that the performance of services does not
constitute production of an article, as required by Section 222 of
the Trade Act of 1974, and this determination has been upheld in
the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Workers at the firm or subdivision may be certified only if
their separation was caused importantly by a reduced demand for
their services from a parent firm, a firm otherwise related to
their firm by ownership, or a firm related by control.
Additionally, the reduction in demand for services must originate
at a production facility whose workers independently meet the
statutory criteria for certification, and the reduction must
directly relate to the product impacted by imports. These
conditions have not been met for workers at this facility.
Conclusion
After careful review, I determine that all workers of
BlueCross BlueShield of Missouri, a division of WellPoint Health
Networks, Springfield Offices, Springfield, Missouri are denied
eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance under section 223 of
the Trade Act of 1974.
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 6th day of January 2004
/s/Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance