DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,755

MEADWESTVACO
CONSUMER AND OFFICE PRODUCTS DIVISION
SIDNEY, NEW YORK

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 29, 2008 in response to a
petition filed by Communications Workers of America (CWA), local
14164, on behalf of workers of MeadWestvaco, Consumer and Office
Products, Sidney, New York. The workers produce office products.
The investigation revealed that employment and sales at the
subject firm declined from 2006 to 2007, and that employment and
production declined in January through July 2008 compared with the
corresponding period in 2007.
The investigation also revealed that the subject firm increased
their imports of products like or directly competitive with office
products in 2007 compared to 2006. The increased company imports
contributed importantly to a decrease in production and employment at
the subject facility.
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 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 increases of imports of articles like or directly
competitive with office products produced at MeadWestvaco, Consumer
and Office Products Division, Sidney, New York 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 MeadWestvaco, Consumer and Office Products
Division, Sidney, New York, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after July 9, 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 21st day of August 2008

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance