DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,304

BERG LUMBER COMPANY
LEWISTOWN, MONTANA


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 Department instituted an investigation upon receipt of
the petition filed on behalf of workers at Berg Lumber Company,
Lewistown, Montana. The workers are engaged in the production of
softwood dimensional lumber.
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 the major
customer of the subject firm regarding purchases of softwood
dimensional lumber. The results of the survey show an increase
of customer import purchases of softwood dimensional lumber
during the period of decline at the subject company.
The workers at the subject company are currently covered by
a NAFTA-TAA certification (NAFTA-4305, signed on April 13, 2001).
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 softwood dimensional lumber produced at
Berg Lumber Company, Lewistown, Montana 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 Berg Lumber Company, Lewistown, Montana,
engaged in the production of softwood dimensional lumber,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after May 7, 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 18th day of June, 2001.

/s/ Edward A. Tomchick
______________________________
EDWARD A. TOMCHICK
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance