Petitioner Type: Workers
Impact Date: 07/02/2003
Filed Date: 07/02/2004
Most Recent Update: 08/05/2004
Determination Date: 08/05/2004
Expiration Date: 08/05/2006
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-55,192
SCIENTIFIC PLASTICS, LTD.
A DIVISION OF ASTRA PRODUCTS, LTD.
MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA
Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility To Apply for
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance
In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273), 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 July 2, 2004 in response to a
petition filed on behalf of workers of Scientific Plastics, Ltd., a
division of Astra Products, Ltd., Miami Lakes, Florida. The
workers at the subject firm produce plastic window blinds.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
division decreased from 2002 to 2003 and during the period of
January through June 2004 when compared to the same period in 2003.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed the preponderance of
declines in employment at the subject firm is related to a shift in
production of plastic window blinds to the United Kingdom and
Honduras.
Moreover, the investigation revealed that imports of plastic
window blinds are likely to increase.
In addition, 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.
The group eligibility criteria for the ATAA program that the
Department must consider under Section 246 of the Trade Act are:
1. Whether a significant number of workers in the workers'
firm are 50 years of age or older.
2. Whether the workers in the workers' firm possess skills
that are not easily transferable.
3. The competitive conditions within the workers' industry
(i.e., conditions within the industry are adverse).
The Department has determined that criterion two has not been
met.
The investigation revealed that workers at the subject firm
possess skills that are easily transferable within the local area.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive those produced at the subject firm
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 Scientific Plastics, Ltd., a division of Astra
Products, Ltd., Miami Lakes, Florida who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after July 2, 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."
I further determine that workers of Scientific Plastics, Ltd.,
a division of Astra Products, Ltd., Miami Lakes, Florida are denied
eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 5th day of August 2004
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance