DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,492

FALCON SHOE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
LEWISTON, MAINE

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 November 7, 2003, in response to a petition filed by the State of Maine TAA Co-ordinator on behalf of workers of Falcon Shoe Manufacturer Company, Lewiston, Maine. The workers produce safety footwear.
The investigation revealed that U.S. imports of men’s footwear increased absolutely and relative to U.S. shipments in 2002 over 2001. The latter figure has attained a level that is overwhelming: in excess of 1600 percent. Employment and production declined at the subject plant.
The workers were under an existing TAA certification (TA-W-38,947) which expired on June 8, 2003.
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 determine that increases of imports of articles like or directly competitive with footwear produced at Falcon Shoe Manufacturing Company, Lewiston, Maine contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of workers and to the decline in sales or production at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:


"All workers of Falcon Shoe Manufacturing Company, Lewiston, Maine who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after June 9, 2003 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 3rd day of December, 2003.


/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance