DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-60,395

WELLMAN INC.
JOHNSONVILLE, SOUTH CAORLINA

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 November 9, 2006 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers at Wellman Inc., Johnsonville, South Carolina. The
workers of the subject firm produce polyester and nylon fibers;
they are not separately identifiable.
The investigation revealed that from January to October
2006 there have been declines in employment, sales, and
production at the subject firm, when compared to the same time
period the previous year.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the subject
firm is a supplier of component parts to a manufacturer of
upholstered furniture whose workers were certified eligible to
apply for trade adjustment assistance and the loss of business
with this firm contributed importantly to worker separations at
the subject firm.
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 Wellman Inc.,
Johnsonville, South Carolina 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 Wellman Inc., Johnsonville, South Carolina,
who became totally or partially separated from employment
on or after October 27, 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 December, 2006

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