DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-65,242

SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIES
ABERDEEN, 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 February 13, 2009 in
response to a petition filed by Carpenters Industrial Council Local
2084 on behalf of workers of Sierra Pacific Industries, Aberdeen,
Washington. The workers produce dimensional softwood lumber.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customers regarding their purchases of softwood
dimensional lumber in 2007, 2008, and January through June 2009.
The survey revealed an increased reliance on import purchases
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 dimensional softwood lumber
produced by Sierra Pacific Industries, Aberdeen, 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 Sierra Pacific Industries, Aberdeen,
Washington, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after February 2, 2008 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 20th day of October 2009


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