Blitz-Weinhard workers may get NAFTA benefits.(North American Free Trade Agreement)

Union officials and federal authorities say foreign competition is one reason why the landmark Blitz-Weinhard Brewery may soon roll out its Last barrel of beer.

The U.S. Department of Labor has certified that 210 Blitz workers are eligible to apply for assistance and benefits under the Trade Act of 1974 and the North American Free Trade Agreement's transitional adjustment assistance program, labor department officials said. If any of those workers are laid off from now until May 2001, they can collect an additional 52 weeks of unemployment insurance and, in many cases, be retrained for other work at government expense.

Meanwhile, the closure of the Blitz …