Deemer v. Commonwealth, Unemployment Compensation Board of Review

Opinion by

Judge Blatt,

The petitioner1 seeks review of a determination of the Board2 finding him to be ineligible for trade read*48justment assistance (TRA) under the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act), 19 U.S.C. §2101 et seq.

The petitioner was employed for 19 years by Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation until a back problem caused him to take sick leave from May 11, 1978 until May 31, 1979. When he was able to return to work, he found that his position as a clerk had been eliminated and he thereafter applied for TRA benefits.

Under the Trade Act, benefits are available for workers whose employment in…