DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-61,096

PORTAC INC.
TACOMA DIVISION
TACOMA, WASHINGTON

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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on March 12, 2007 in response
to a petition filed by the Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union, Local
2633, on behalf of workers of Portac Inc., Tacoma Division, Tacoma,
Washington. The workers produced rough and finished softwood
dimensional lumber.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined between 2005 and 2006. The
plant shut down in April of 2007.
The Department of Labor surveyed a selection of the subject
firm's declining customers regarding purchases of lumber products
like those purchased from the subject firm in 2005, 2006 and
January through February, 2007. The survey revealed that
respondents reduced purchases from the subject firm and increased
imports in the relevant periods.
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 increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with softwood dimensional lumber
produced by Portac Inc., Tacoma Division, Tacoma, Washington
contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of
workers and to the decline in sales or production at that firm or
subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make
the following certification:
"All workers of Portac Inc., Tacoma Division, Tacoma,
Washington who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after March 6, 2006 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 3rd day of May 2007


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