DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,902

SOLUTIA, INC.
SAUGET, ILLINOIS

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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on May 12, 2004 in response to
a petition filed by a state workforce agent on behalf of workers of
Solutia, Inc., Sauget, Illinois. The workers at the subject firm
produce para-nitroaniline (PNA) and para-nitrochlorobenzenes
(PNCB).
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm decreased from 2002 to 2003 and into
2004.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customer regarding its purchases of PNA and PNCB in 2002-2003 and
January to April, 2003-2004. The survey revealed increases in
imports in both sets of time periods.
Petitioners also allege they were secondarily affected as a
supplier of components to a manufacturer whose workers were
certified eligible to apply for adjustment assistance. The
investigation revealed that to be the case. Solutia, Inc. supplies
PNP components for other chemicals produced by a firm whose workers
are currently under certification for trade adjustment assistance
and a loss of business with this manufacturer contributed
importantly to the workers separation or threat of separation.
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
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive produced by Solutia, Inc., Sauget,
Illinois, contributed importantly to the total or partial
separation of workers and to the decline in sales or production and
at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of
the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Solutia, Inc., Sauget, Illinois, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after May
11, 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 28th day of May, 2004

/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance