E9-25160. Oval International; Hoquiam, WA; Notice of Affirmative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration

By application dated August 26, 2009, a petitioner requested administrative reconsideration of the negative determination regarding workers' eligibility to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) applicable to workers and former workers of the subject firm. The determination was issued on August 6, 2009. The Notice of Determination was published in the Federal Register on September 2, 2009 (74 FR 45474).

The initial investigation resulted in a negative determination based on the finding that imports of pulp bale strapping machines and spare parts did not contribute importantly to worker separations at the subject firm. The investigation revealed that the subject firm did not shift production of pulp bale strapping machines and spare parts to foreign countries during the period under investigation.

In the request for reconsideration, the petitioner alleged that employment at the subject firm was negatively impacted by a shift in production of spare parts abroad. To support the allegation, the petition supplied additional documentation.

The Department has carefully reviewed the request for reconsideration and the existing record and has determined that the Department will conduct further investigation to determine if the workers meet the eligibility requirements of the Trade Act of 1974.

Conclusion

After careful review of the application, I conclude that the claim is of sufficient weight to justify reconsideration of the U.S. Department of Labor's prior decision. The application is, therefore, granted.

Signed at Washington, DC, this 29th day of September 2009.

Elliott S. Kushner,

Certifying Officer, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance.