Petitioner Type: Workers
Impact Date: 01/05/2003
Filed Date: 01/06/2004
Most Recent Update: 01/13/2004
Determination Date: 01/13/2004
Expiration Date: 01/13/2006
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-53,945
BASF CORPORATION
COATINGS DIVISION
BELVIDERE, NEW JERSEY
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 January 6, 2004 in response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of BASF Corporation, Coatings Division, Belvidere, New Jersey. The workers at the subject facility produce OEM coatings.
Employment at the subject firm decreased from 2002 to 2003.
Furthermore, the subject firm began shifting production of OEM coatings to countries (Canada and Mexico) that are party to a free trade agreement with the United States.
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 addition, 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 and Mexico 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 BASF Corporation, Coatings Division, Belvidere, New Jersey who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after January 5, 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 13th day of January 2004.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance