DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-59,638

SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
LEE, MASSACHUSETTS

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 an investigation regarding certification of
eligibility to apply for worker adjustment assistance as a
secondarily affected worker group.
The investigation was initiated on June 27, 2006 in response
to a petition filled jointly by a company official and
representatives of the United Steel Workers of America on behalf
of workers of Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc., Lee,
Massachusetts. The workers of the subject firm produce
specialty paper, including cigarette paper, straw wrap, and the
printing and furniture laminate industries. The workers are not
separately identifiable.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
firm declined from January to May 2006, as compared to the same
time period the previous year.
The investigation revealed that Schweitzer-Mauduit
International, Inc., Lee, Massachusetts, supplies component
parts and a loss of business with a manufacturer of cigarettes
whose workers were certified eligible to apply for adjustment
assistance contributed importantly to the separation or threat
of separation of workers of Schweitzer-Mauduit International,
Inc., Lee, Massachusetts.
In addition, 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 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 workers of Schweitzer-Mauduit
International, Inc., Lee, Massachusetts, qualify as adversely
affected secondary workers under Section 222 of the Trade Act of
1974, as amended. In accordance with the provisions of the Act,
I make the following certification:
"All workers of Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.,
Lee, Massachusetts, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after June 26, 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 at Washington, D.C., this 4th day of August, 2006

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