DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-59,222

UNILEVER SUPPLY CHAIN, INC.
A DIVISION OF CONOPCO, INC.
MERCED, CALIFORNIA

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, as
amended (19 USC 2273), the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of an 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 April 17, 2006, in response
to a petition filed by a state agency representative on behalf of
workers of Unilever Supply Chain, Inc., a division of Conopco,
Inc., Merced, California. The workers at the subject firm produce
tomato paste and tomato based sauces.
The investigation revealed that a significant number or
proportion of workers at the subject firm are threatened to become
separated from employment.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that all of the
production of tomato paste and tomato based sauces at the subject
firm shifted from Merced, California to a country (Canada) that is
a party to a free trade agreement with the United States.
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 subject firm are age 50
or over and do not possess skills that are easily transferable.
Competitive conditions within the industry are adverse.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that there has been a shift in
production from the workers firm or subdivision to Canada of
articles that are like or directly competitive with those produced
by the subject firm or subdivision. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Unilever Supply Chain, Inc., a division of
Conopco, Inc., Merced, California who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after April 14, 2005
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 18th day of May 2006

/s/Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance