DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,509

ARMSTRONG FLOOR PRODUCTS
A BUSINESS UNIT OF ARMSTRONF WORLD INDUSTRIES
WARREN, ARKANSAS

Certification Regarding Eligibility to Apply for
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance

The Department adopted a new interpretation regarding the
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) program in order to
provide equitable access to ATAA for worker groups whose petitions
were still in process at the time of implementation of the ATAA
program on August 6, 2003. Under this new interpretation, worker
groups covered by the certification of a petition that was in
process on August 6, 2003 may request ATAA consideration for the
certified worker group. In addition, certified worker groups who
filed petitions after that date may also request ATAA if the
petition did not include an option to apply for ATAA. The request
must be made to the Department and may be made by anyone who was
entitled to file the original petition under section 221(a)(1) of
the Act.
By letter dated December 13, 2004, a state agency
representative, requested ATAA consideration for workers at the
subject firm located in Warren, Arkansas.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility requirements
of Section 246(a)(3)(A) of the Trade Act must be met. The
Department has determined in this case that the requirements have
been met.
The investigation revealed that the subject worker group
possesses skills that are not easily transferable in the local
area, and that at least five percent of the workforce at the
subject firm is at least fifty years of age. Industry data show
that competitive conditions within the cut stock, resawing lumber,
planing, and other millwork, including flooring industry is
adverse.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained on investigation, I
conclude that the requirements of Section 246(a)(3)(A) of the Trade
Act of 1974, as amended, have been met for workers at the subject
firm.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the
following certification:








"All workers of Armstrong Floor Products, a business unit of
Armstrong World Industries, Warren, Arkansas who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
November 10, 2002 through December 31, 2005 are eligible to
apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance under
Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended.”
Signed in Washington, D.C., this 13th day of June 2005

/s/ Linda G. Poole

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


DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,509

ARMSTRONG FLOOR PRODUCTS
A BUSINESS UNIT OF ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES
WARREN, ARKANSAS

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker 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 12, 2003 in
response to a petition filed by a state agency representative on
behalf of workers at Armstrong Floor Products, a business unit of
Armstrong World Industries, Warren, Arkansas. The workers at the
subject firm produce hardwood flooring.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment will decline absolutely with the closing of the subject
firm on December 31, 2003.
The investigation revealed that there are substantial and
increasing aggregate United States imports of wood flooring from
2001 to 2002 and during the period of January through October 2003
when compared to the same period 2002.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with wood flooring produced at
Armstrong Floor Products, a business unit of Armstrong World
Industries, Warren, Arkansas 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 Armstrong Floor Products, a business unit of
Armstrong World Industries, Warren, Arkansas who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
November 10, 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 31st day of December 2003



/s/Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance



May want to list the specific citation to the group eligibility requirements.
May want to list the specific citation to the group eligibility requirements.