DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,920

VILLAGE SMITH FURNITURE MAKERS
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE

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 November 4, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics
and Allied Workers International Union (GMP), Local 319 on behalf
of workers of Village Smith Furniture Makers, Chattanooga,
Tennessee. Workers at the subject firm produced metal home
furniture (indoor).
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm declined absolutely from January through October 2003
to January through October 2004.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customers regarding their purchases of indoor metal
furniture. This survey revealed increased imports of indoor metal
furniture during the period of January through October 2004 when
compared to the same period in 2003.
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 facility are age 50 or
over and do not possess skills that are 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 indoor metal furniture produced
at Village Smith Furniture Makers, Chattanooga, Tennessee
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 Village Smith Furniture Makers, Chattanooga,
Tennessee who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after October 27, 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 10th day of December 2004.


/s/ Linda G. Poole

_____________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance