Petitioner Type: State
Impact Date: 03/15/2003
Filed Date: 03/18/2004
Most Recent Update: 04/22/2004
Determination Date: 04/22/2004
Expiration Date: 04/22/2006
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-54,534
NEWTON HARDWOODS
MADISON, 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 March 17, 2004, in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Newton Hardwoods,
Madison, Maine. The workers produced novelty wood turning products.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm declined in the relevant time
period.
The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of major
customers of Newton Hardwoods, Madison, Maine, regarding their
purchases of novelty wood turnings in 2002, 2003 and the first-
quarter of 2004. The survey revealed that major customers sharply
increased their reliance on imported novelty wood turnings in the
relevant 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 conclude that increased imports of articles like
or directly competitive with novelty wood turnings produced at
Newton Hardwoods, Madison, Maine, contributed importantly to the
decline in sales or production and to the total or partial
separation of workers of that firm.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the
following certification:
"All workers of Newton Hardwoods, Madison, Maine who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
March 15, 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 22nd day of April, 2004.
/s/ Elliott G. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance