DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,513

AMPHENOL BACKPLANE SYSTEMS
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE

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)(B) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition received on November 12, 2003 and filed by a company official on behalf of workers at Amphenol Backplane Systems, Nashua, New Hampshire. The workers were engaged in employment related to the production of electrical connectors.
The preponderance in the declines in employment at the subject plant is related to a shift in plant production of electrical connectors to a country (Mexico) that is beneficiary country with a free trade agreement.
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 there was a shift in production from the workers firm or subdivision to Mexico 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 Amphenol Backplane Systems, Nashua, New Hampshire who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after November 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 8th day of December, 2003.


/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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