DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,266

UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY
INCLUDING WORKERS OF R.J. AUSTIN AND STAFFING SOLUTIONS
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE

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 November 4, 2005 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers at United States Pipe and Foundry Company, Chattanooga,
Tennessee. The workers produce valves, hydrants, and fittings.
Leased workers of R.J. Austin and Staffing Solutions were also
employed at the site.
The investigation revealed that a significant number or
proportion of workers at the subject facility were separated, and
the decline in employment is related to a shift in production of
valves and hydrants to countries (Canada and Mexico) that are
party to a free trade agreement with the United States. Also,
production of fittings is being shifted to China, and imports of
fittings from China are increasing.
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
United States Pipe and Foundry Company, Chattanooga, Tennessee to
Canada, Mexico, and China of articles that are like or directly
competitive with those produced by the subject facility, and
imports from China are increasing. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:


"All workers of United States Pipe and Foundry Company,
including leased workers of R.J. Austin and Staffing
Solutions, Chattanooga, Tennessee who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after November 2,
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 14th day of December 2005
/s/ Richard Church

______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance