YAKIMA, Wa - The union representing laid off mill workers from Yakima Resources says it will take the federal government to court.
They're appeal for the Trade Act has been rejected by the Department of Labor. Now the plan is to appeal to the US International Trade Court.
The union says the DOL keeps overlooking key evidence in their case.
"They didn't look at the imports as far as OSB, or oriented strand board that comes in to the US," says James McConnell of the Western Council of Industrial Workers, "They didn't look at actual plywood imports. They just counted on a couple of brokers and asked if they import the product. They said no. They just sell it. They don't import it."
The union says it could 18-months before their case sees a courtroom. Not having 'Trade Act Certification' means laid off mill workers won't be eligible for any health and welfare benefits -- and they'll lose one year worth of financial assistance.
