DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-57,506

VISKASE CORPORATION
KENTLAND, INDIANA

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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on July 6, 2005 in response to
a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
Viskase Corporation, Kentland, Indiana. The workers produce
cellulose and plastic casing for meat products.
The investigation revealed that a significant number or
proportion of workers at the subject facility are threatened with
separation, and the forthcoming decline in employment is related to
a shift in production of cellulose and plastic casing for meat
products to a country (Mexico) that is a party to a free trade
agreement with the United States.
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 conclude that there was a shift in production from
Viskase Corporation, Kentland, Indiana to Mexico of articles that
are like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject
facility. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the
following certification:
"All workers of Viskase Corporation, Kentland, Indiana who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after June 28, 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 4th day of August 2005.

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