DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-41,444

JOSEPH TIMBER COMPANY
JOSEPH, OREGON


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 on April 29, 2002 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at Joseph
Timber Company, Joseph, Oregon. The workers were engaged in the
production of softwood dimensional lumber.
The investigation revealed that the subject company ceased
to operate in March 2002 and did not import softwood dimensional
lumber during the relevant time period.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
company's major customers regarding their purchases of softwood
dimensional lumber.
The survey revealed customers increased import purchases of
softwood dimensional lumber during the relevant time period.
A NAFTA-TAA petition filed on behalf of the workers at the
subject company resulted in a certification (NAFTA-6003, signed
on May 7, 2002).
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced at Joseph Timber
Company, Joseph, Oregon, contributed importantly to the decline
in sales and 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 Joseph Timber Company, Joseph, Oregon,
engaged in the production of softwood dimensional lumber,
who are totally or partially separated from employment on
or after March 7, 2001, through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assis-
tance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."

Signed in Washington, D. C. this 1st day of July 2002.


/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance