DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40,209

LACLEDE STEEL COMPANY
FAIRLESS HILLS, PENNSYLVANIA

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 on October 15, 2001, in response to a petition filed by a company official and the United Steelworkers of America, Local 3643, on behalf of workers at Laclede Steel Company, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. The workers were engaged in employment related to the production of steel tubing.
This investigation revealed that production and employment at the subject plant decreased during the period under investigation.

United States aggregate imports of standard carbon steel pipe increased in 2000 compared with 1999 both absolutely and relative to U.S. shipments. In January through September, 2001, relative imports continued to increase.
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 those produced by Laclede Steel Company, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, 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 Trade Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers at Laclede Steel Company, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after September 26, 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 20th day of December, 2001


/s/ Linda G. Poole

LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance