DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,467

RBX INDUSTRIES, INC.
BEDFORD, VIRGINIA

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 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 March 10, 2004, in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
RBX Industries, Inc., Bedford, Virginia. Workers at the subject
firm produced closed cell foam rubber.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased absolutely from 2002 to 2003 and during
January to March 2003-2004.
Furthermore, imports of closed cell foam rubber by the subject
firm increased absolutely during the relevant period.
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 increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with closed cell foam rubber produced
at RBX Industries, Inc., Bedford, Virginia, contributed importantly
to the total or partial separation of workers and to the decline in
sales or production at that firm or subdivision. In accordance
with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:



"All workers of RBX Industries, Inc., Bedford, Virginia, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after March 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, as amended."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 28th day of April, 2004.

/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance