DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-59,370

UNIVERSAL LEAF NORTH AMERICA U.S., INC.
DANVILLE, VIRGINIA

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 May 10, 2006, in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Universal Leaf North
America U.S., Inc., Danville, Virginia. The workers produced flue-
cured and burley leaf tobaccos.
The Danville facility ceased production near the end of 2005.
The investigation revealed that Universal Leaf North America
U.S., Inc. consolidated domestic production of flue-cured and
burley leaf tobaccos while substantially increasing imports from
Brazil, Malawi and Argentina in 2005 compared with 2004.
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 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
the workers' firm or subdivision to Brazil, Malawi, and Argentina
of articles that are like or directly competitive with flue-cured
and burley leaf tobaccos as a result produced by the subject firm
or subdivision, and there will likely be an increase in imports of
such articles. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I
make the following certification:



"All workers of Universal Leaf North America U.S., Inc.,
Danville, Virginia who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after April 24, 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 5th day of July, 2006


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