DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-61,871

DIRIGO PAPER COMPANY
INCLUDING ON-SITE CONTRACT WORKERS FROM PROMETHEUS POWER COMPANY
GILMAN, VERMONT

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 July 24, 2007 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Dirigo Paper Company, Gilman, Vermont. The workers produced
uncoated free sheet paper.
The subject worker group includes on-site contract workers
from Prometheus Power Company, an affiliate of Dirigo Paper
Company.
The investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm declined in January through June 2007 when
compared to the same period of 2006.
The Department of Labor conducted a sample survey of the
subject firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases
of uncoated free sheet paper in 2005, 2006, and January through
June 2007. The survey revealed increased reliance on imports
during the relevant period.
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 uncoated free sheet paper
produced by Dirigo Paper Company, Gilman, Vermont 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 Dirigo Paper Company, including on-site
contract workers from Prometheus Power Company, Gilman,
Vermont, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after July 23, 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 10th day of October 2007

/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance