DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-51,373

BUCKBEE-MEARS GROUP
BMC MASK OPERATIONS
A UNIT OF BMC INDUSTRIES, INC.
CORTLAND, NEW YORK

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273), the Department of Labor herein presents the results of
its investigation regarding certification of eligibility to apply
for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for Trade Adjustment
Assistance, the group eligibility requirements in either paragraph
(a)(2)(A) or (a)(2)(B) of Section 222 of the Trade Act must be met.
It is determined in this case that the requirements of (a)(2)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on March 31, 2003, in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Buckbee-Mears Group,
BMC Mask Operations, a unit of BMC Industries, Inc., Cortland, New
York. The workers at the subject facility produce aperture masks.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject facility decreased absolutely from 2001 to 2002 and during
the period of January through March of 2003 when compared to the
same period in 2002.
The investigation further revealed that the subject facility
did not import aperture masks or shift production of aperture masks
to a foreign country during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's major
declining customers regarding their purchases of aperture masks.
This survey revealed increases in imports of aperture masks during
the period under investigation.


Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with aperture masks produced at
Buckbee-Mears Group, BMC Mask Operations, a unit of BMC Industries,
Inc., Cortland, New York contributed importantly to the total or
partial separation of workers and to the decline in sales or
production and at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Buckbee-Mears Group, BMC Mask Operations, a
unit of BMC Industries, Inc., Cortland, New York who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
March 31, 2002, through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance
under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 12th day of June, 2003.


/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance