DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,926

SHULER BROTHERS CHIP MILL
OPP, ALABAMA

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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on January 2, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
Shuler Brothers Chip Mill, Opp, Alabama. The workers produce wood
chips.
The investigation revealed that production declined in 2003
compated with 2002. Employment at the subject firm will decline to
zero on January 30, 2004 when the mill closes.
The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of the sole
customer of Shuler Brothers Chip Mill, Opp, Alabama, regarding
purchases of wood chips during the relevant period. The survey
revealed that the sole customer of the subject firm is ceasing all
purchases from the subject firm and sourcing wood chips offshore.
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 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 investi-
gation, I conclude that increased imports of articles like or
directly competitive with wood chips produced at Shuler Brothers
Chip Mill, Opp, Alabama, 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 Shuler Brothers Chip Mill, Opp, Alabama who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after December 29, 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 26th day of January 2004.

Richard Church
_____________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance