DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,860

UNITED STATES CERAMIC TILE COMPANY
EAST SPARTA, OHIO

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 in response to a petition
received on October 26, 2004 and filed by the United Steel
Workers of America, Local 45, on behalf of workers at United
States Ceramic Tile Company, East Sparta, Ohio. The workers are
engaged employment related to the production of decorative
ceramic tile.
The investigation revealed that plant production and
employment declined during the relevant period.


The investigation further revealed that the company
increased their reliance on imported ceramic tile during the
relevant period.
The subject facility was under an exiting certification (TA-
W-39,616) which expired on November 29, 2003.
In accordance with Section 246 of 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 with ceramic tile produced at United
States Ceramic Tile Company, East Sparta, Ohio 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 United States Ceramic Tile Company, East
Sparta, Ohio who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after November 30, 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 5th day of November, 2004.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance