DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-42,147

UNIVERSAL MANUFACTURING
ZELIENOPLE, 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 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 September 16, 2002 and filed by United Steelworkers
of America; Local 6346-23 on behalf of workers at Universal
Manufacturing, Zelienople, Pennsylvania. The workers produce
tubular steel scaffolding and components. The workers are
separately identifiable by product line.


The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm declined from 2000 to 2001 and also from January
through August of 2002 when compared to January through August
of 2001.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of tubular steel
scaffolding. This survey revealed increases in imports of
tubular steel scaffolding and components during the relevant
period.
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 Universal
Manufacturing, Zelienople, 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 Act, I make the following certification:







"All workers of the Universal Manufacturing, Zelienople,
Pennsylvania, engaged in employment related to the
production of tubular steel scaffolding and components, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after August 29, 2001, 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 at Washington, D.C., this 22nd day of October, 2002.



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