DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,003

MDF MOULDING AND MILLWORK
IDABEL, OKLAHOMA

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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on January 14, 2004, and filed on behalf of workers at MDF
Moulding and Millwork, Idabel, Oklahoma. The workers produce
medium density fibreboard mouldings.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined at the subject facility during the relevant
period.

The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
medium density fibreboard mouldings during 2001, 2002, and 2003.
The survey revealed that major customers increased their
purchases of imported medium density fibreboard mouldings, while
decreasing their purchases from the subject firm during the
relevant time period.
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 medium density fibreboard
mouldings produced at MDF Moulding and Millwork, Idabel, Oklahoma,
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 MDF Moulding and Millwork, Idabel, Oklahoma,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after January 12, 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 20th day of February 2004.

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