Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,214

BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE OFF-ROAD TIRES
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 USC 2273) as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (P. L. 100-418), the Department of Labor herein presents the results of an investigation regarding certification of eligi-bility to apply for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance each of the group eligibility requirements of Section 222 of the Act must be met. It is determined in this case that all of the requirements have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition received on May 7, 2001, and filed by the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO/CLC, Local 787L on behalf of workers at Bridgestone/Firestone Off-Road Tires, Bloomington, Illinois. The workers produce off-road tires.
This investigation revealed that sales, production and employment declined at the subject plant in the relevant period.

The Department of Labor conducted a survey of major customers of the subject firm regarding their purchases of off-road tires. The results of the survey revealed that the major customers increased their purchases of imported off-road tires in the relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-gation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like or directly competitive with off-road tires produced at Bridgestone/Firestone Off-Road Tires, Bloomington, Illinois, contributed importantly to the decline in sales or production and to the total or partial separation of workers of that firm. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Bridgestone/Firestone Off-Road Tires, Bloomington, Illinois who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after April 25, 2000, through two years from the date of this certification, are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."

Signed in Washington, D. C. this 10th day of September, 2001.
/s/ Edward A. Tomchick

______________________________
EDWARD A. TOMCHICK
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance