DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,166

WESTMINSTER CERAMICS
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA

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, as
amended (19 USC 2273), the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of an 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 April 9, 2008, in response
to a petition filed by a one stop operator on behalf of workers of
Westminster Ceramics, LLC, Bakersfield, California. Workers of the
subject firm produce ceramic tiles.
The investigation revealed that declines in employment at
Westminster Ceramics, LLC, Bakersfield, California are related to a
shift in production of ceramic tiles to a country (Dominican
Republic) that is a party to a free trade agreement with the United
States.
In addition, in accordance with Section 246 of 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 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 determine that there was a shift in production
from the workers' firm or subdivision to the Dominican Republic of
articles that are like or directly competitive with the ceramic
tiles produced by the subject firm or subdivision. In accordance
with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Westminster Ceramics, LLC, Bakersfield,
California who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after April 8, 2007 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 2nd day of May 2008


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