DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,290

SONOCO INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS DIVISION
SHEPHERD, MICHIGAN

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
eligibility 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 21, 2001, and filed on behalf of workers at Sonoco
Industrial Products Division, Shepherd, Michigan. The workers
produce spiral tubes for tape.
A petition for NAFTA Transitional Adjustment Assistance for
this worker group resulted in a certification for eligibility that
was issued on April 12, 2001 (NAFTA 4685).
This investigation revealed that the subject firm has
commenced a major reliance on imported spiral tubes for tape while
decreasing production and employment at Shepherd, Michigan.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with spiral tubes for tape produced by
Sonoco Industrial Products Division, Shepherd, Michigan 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 Sonoco Industrial Products Division, Shepherd,
Michigan, engaged in production related to the production of
spiral tubes for tape, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after May 4, 2000, through two
years from the date of certification, are eligible to apply
for adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act
of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 29th day of May, 2001.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance