DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,011

GENERAL DYNAMICS
MOSSES LAKE, WASHINGTON

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 an investigation regarding certification of
eligibility to apply for worker adjustment assistance as a
secondarily affected worker group.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on September 26, 2003 and filed by the Employment
Security Department on behalf of workers at General Dynamics,
Moses Lake, Washington. The workers produce airbag propellant.
The investigation revealed that employment at General
Dynamics, Moses Lake, Washington declined during the period under
investigation.
The investigation also revealed that General Dynamics, Moses
Lake, Washington supplies airbag propellant for airbag production
to a manufacturer whose workers were certified eligible to apply
for adjustment assistance.
The subject firm lost business with their sole customer
whose workers were certified eligible to apply for Trade
Adjustment Assistant (TAA). The certification is based on the
company shifting all production of inflators systems to Mexico.
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 subject facility are
over age 50 and do not possess easily transferable skills.
Furthermore, competitive conditions within the industry are
adverse.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that a loss of business with a
manufacturer who shifted production of airbag propellant to
Mexico, contributed importantly to the separation of workers of
General Dynamics, Moses Lake, Washington. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:



"All workers of General Dynamics, Moses Lake, Washington,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after September 24, 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 at Washington, D.C., this 22nd day of October, 2003.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner
______________________ __
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance