DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,048

METHODE ELECTRONICS
AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONIC CONTROLS DIVISION
CARTHAGE, ILLINOIS

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 November 19, 2004, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Methode
Electronics, Automotive Electronic Controls Division, Carthage,
Illinois. The workers at the subject firm produce automotive
switches.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject facility decreased from 2002 to 2003.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's major
customers regarding their purchases of automotive switches in 2002-
2003 and January through November, 2003-2004. The survey revealed
increases in imports during the period under investigation.
In addition, 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 division 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 automotive switches produced at
Methode Electronics, Automotive Electronic Controls Division,
Carthage, Illinois 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 Methode Electronics, Automotive Electronic
Controls Division, Carthage, Illinois who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after November 17,
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 3rd day of February 2005.

/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance