DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-52,843

LEAR CORPORATION
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance


In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273), as amended, 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 September 12, 2003 in
response to a petition filed by the International Union UAW, Region
1D and Local Union 2403, on behalf of workers at Lear Corporation,
Traverse City, Michigan. The workers at the subject firm produce
multi-function switch assemblies for automobiles and are not
separately identifiable by specific product line.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and em-
ployment at the subject firm declined in the relevant time period.
The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of major
customers of Lear Corporation, Traverse City, Michigan, regarding
their purchases of multi-function switch assemblies in 2001, 2002,
and January through September of 2003. The survey revealed that a
major customer increased its reliance on imported switch assem-
blies, while decreasing purchases from the subject firm during the
relevant period.
In accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26 USC
2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance (ATAA) for
older workers.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility requirements
of Section 246 of the Trade Act must be met. The Department has
determined in this case that the requirements of Section 246 have
been met.
A significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or over
and possess skills that are not easily transferable. Competitive
conditions within the industry are adverse.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-
gation, I conclude that increased imports of articles like or
directly competitive with switch assemblies produced at Lear
Corporation, Traverse City, Michigan, contributed importantly to
the decline in sales or production and to the total or partial
separation of workers of that firm.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the
following certification:
"All workers of Lear Corporation, Traverse City, Michigan who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after September 5, 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, and are also
eligible to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C., this 17th day of October 2003

/s/ Richard Church
_____________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance