[Federal Register: March 9, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 45)]
[Notices]
[Page 11700]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09mr05-116]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

[TA-W-55,518]


BASF Corporation Freeport, TX; Notice of Revised Determination on
Reconsideration

    On January 12, 2005, the Department of Labor issued a Notice of
Affirmative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration
applicable to the subject firm. The Notice will soon be published in
the Federal Register.
    The initial investigation found that workers are separately
identifiable by product line (polycaprolactum, oxo, diols, and acrylic
monomers), that polycaprolactum, oxo and diol production increased
during the relevant period, and that the subject company neither
increased imports of acrylic monomers during the relevant period nor
shifted acrylic monomer production abroad.
    The petitioner asserted in the request for reconsideration that the
worker separations at the subject firm were the result of a shift of
production of acrylic monomers to China.
    During the reconsideration investigation, it was found that workers
are not separately identifiable by product line, subject facility
production ceased in December 2003, production shifted to an affiliated
facility located in Europe, and the subject firm increased their
reliance on imports during the relevant period.
    The investigation also revealed that the criteria for alternative
trade adjustment assistance have been met. A significant number or
proportion of the worker group are age fifty years or over and workers
possess skills that are not easily transferable. Competitive conditions
within the industry are adverse.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the additional facts obtained on
reconsideration, I conclude that increased imports of articles like or
directly competitive with those produced at BASF Corporation, Freeport,
Texas contributed importantly to worker separations at the subject
firm.
    In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:

    All workers of BASF Corporation, Freeport, Texas, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after August
30, 2003, 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, and are also eligible to apply for alternative
trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of
1974.

    Signed in Washington, DC this 21st day of January 2005.
Elliott S. Kushner,
Certifying Officer, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance.
[FR Doc. E5-990 Filed 3-8-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4510-30-P