DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,718

HALSTAB
DIVISION HAMMOND GROUP, INC.
HAMMOND, INDIANA

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 in response to a petition
received on October 1, 2004 and filed by the PACE International
Union, Local 6-0210 on behalf of workers at Halstab, Division of
Hammond Group, Inc. Hammond, Indiana. The workers produced lead
stabilizers.
The investigation revealed that plant production and
employment declined during the relevant period.


The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
lead stabilizers during 2002, 2003 and January through September
2004 over the corresponding 2003 period. The survey revealed
that customers increased their reliance on imported lead
stabilizers products during 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 subject facility are
over age 50 and do not possess easily transferable skills.
Furthermore, 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 lead stabilizers produced at
Halstab, Division of Hammond Group, Inc., Hammond, Indiana
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 Halstab, Division of Hammond Group, Inc.,
Hammond, Indiana who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after September 9, 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 23rd day of November, 2004.


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