Petitioner Type: Company
Impact Date: 07/08/2003
Filed Date: 07/15/2004
Most Recent Update: 07/15/2004
Determination Date: 07/15/2004
Expiration Date: 07/15/2006
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-55,256
MILLER BAG COMPANY
ARLINGTON, SOUTH DAKOTA
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 July 15, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Miller Bag Company, Arlington, South Dakota. The workers produce
home textile furnishings.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm experienced
reduced levels of employment and sales at the Arlington facility,
and also increased its reliance on imported home textiles.
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 home textile furnishings produced
at Miller Bag Company, Arlington, South Dakota 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 Miller Bag Company, Arlington, South Dakota
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after July 8, 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 15th day of July, 2004.
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance