DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,960

MGS HOLDING CORPORATION
WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND

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 May 21, 2004 in response to
a petition filed by the company on behalf of workers at MGS Holding
Corporation, Woonsocket, Rhode Island. The workers were engaged in
employment related to the production of curtains.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm decreased at the subject firm during
the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the major customer of the
subject firm regarding their purchases of curtains in 2002 and 2003
and January through May 2004 over the corresponding 2003 period.
The survey revealed that the major customer increased their
reliance on imported curtains during the relevant period.
The petitioner also requested consideration for Alternative
Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA).
In order to issue a certification of eligibility to apply for
ATAA for older workers, the group eligibility requirements of
Section 246(a)(3)(A)(ii) of the Trade Act must be met. The
Department has determined in this case that the requirements 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 increases of imports of curtains
produced at MGS Holding Corporation, Woonsocket, Rhode Island
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 MGS Holding Corporation, Woonsocket, Rhode
Island who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after May 20, 2003 through two years from the
date of certification are eligible to apply for adjustment
assistance under Section 223, and alternative trade adjustment
assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C., this 28th day of June, 2004.
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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