DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,070

HOME PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL INC.
EAGAN, MINNESOTA

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, as
amended (19 USC 2273), the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of an 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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on October 1, 2003, in
response to a petition filed by the International Association of
Machinists, AFL-CIO on behalf of workers at Home Products
International Inc., Eagan, Minnesota. The workers produce plastic
storage containers.
The investigation revealed that separations at the subject
firm have occurred in the relevant periods, and that there has been
a shift in production from the subject facility to countries
(Mexico and Canada) under free trade agreements with the United
States.
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
investigation, I conclude that there was a shift in production from
the workers' firm or subdivision to Mexico and Canada of articles
that are like or directly competitive with those produced by the
subject firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of
the Act, I make the following certification:




"All workers of Home Products International Inc., Eagan,
Minnesota, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after September 30, 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 10th day of October 2003
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance