DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,958

GERDAU AMERISTEEL
PERTH AMBOY, 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 (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 April 14, 2005, in response
to a petition filed by a state agency (New Jersey) on behalf of
workers of Gerdau Ameristeel, Perth Amboy, New Jersey. The workers
produce wire rods.
The investigation also revealed that sales, production and
employment declined during the relevant period under investigation.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firms' major
customers regarding their purchases of wire rods in 2003, 2004 and
January through April 2005. The survey revealed that customers
increased their import purchases of wire rods while reducing their
purchases from the subject firm during the period under
investigation.
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 conclude that increases of imports of wire rods
produced by Gerdau Ameristeel, Perth Amboy, New Jersey 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 Gerdau Ameristeel, Perth Amboy, New Jersey who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after April 12, 2004 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 24th day of May, 2005.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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