Petitioner Type: State
Impact Date: 10/07/2003
Filed Date: 10/12/2004
Most Recent Update: 11/08/2004
Determination Date: 11/08/2004
Expiration Date: 11/08/2006
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-55,776
WHITEWOOD INDUSTRIES INC.
POCAHONTAS DIVISION
POCAHONTAS, ARKANSAS
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), 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 October 12, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by a state workforce agent on behalf
of workers of Whitewood Industries Inc., Pocahontas Division,
Pocahontas, Arkansas. The workers produce wooden stools.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm decreased from July through
September 2004 compared with previous quarters.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customer regarding its purchases of wooden stools in 2002-2003 and
January to September, 2003-2004. The survey revealed increases in
imports accompanied by reduced purchases from the subject firm.
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 those produced by Whitewood
Industries Inc., Pocahontas Division, Pocahontas, Arkansas,
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 Whitewood Industries Inc., Pocahontas
Division, Pocahontas, Arkansas, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after October 7,
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 8th day of November, 2004.
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance