TAA Decision 63700
Note: Determinations for this case number, this case number with an alphabetic suffix, and any appeals or amendments appear below.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-63,700
NEWPAGE CORPORATION
KIMBERLY MILL
FKA STORA ENSO NORTH AMERICA
KIMBERLY MILL
KIMBERLY, WISCONSIN
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 16, 2008 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
NewPage Corporation, Kimberly Mill, formerly known as Stora Enso,
Kimberly Mill, Kimberly, Wisconsin. Workers at the subject firm
manufacture coated woodfree printing paper.
The investigation revealed that employment declined from 2006
to 2007. Furthermore, employment, sales and production declined
absolutely in August 2008.
The United States Department of Labor surveyed the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
coated woodfree printing paper in 2006, 2007, January through June
2007 and January through June 2008. The survey revealed increases
in imports of coated woodfree printing paper during the period
under investigation.
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 coated woodfree printing paper
manufactured by NewPage Corporation, Kimberly Mill, fka Stora Enso,
Kimberly Mill, Kimberly, Wisconsin, 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 NewPage Corporation, Kimberly Mill, fka Stora
Enso, Kimberly Mill, Kimberly, Wisconsin who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after July 7, 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 22nd day of August 2008
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner
_____________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance