DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,197

DESIGNER'S GROUP INTERNATIONAL
DESIGNER'S GROUP INCORPORATED
A DIVISION OF CHIPPENHOOK
INCLUDING ON-SITE LEASED WORKERS OF
RANDSTAD STAFFING AND STAFFING CONSULTANTS
NORTH STONINGTON, CONNECTICUT

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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated December 10, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by a state representative on behalf of workers
at Designer's Group International, a division of Chippenhook, North
Stonington, Connecticut. The workers at the subject firm produce
point of sale displays.
The investigation revealed that wages for some workers of the
subject firm were reported under the Federal Employment
Identification Number (FEID) for Designers Group Incorporated. The
subject firm also leased some of its on-site workers from Randstad
Staffing, and Staffing Consultants.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject firm
decreased in 2004 in comparison with 2003.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that company imports
of point of sale displays have increased after the subject firm's
shift in production from the North Stonington plant to China.
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 there was a shift of production
from the workers' firm to China of articles like or directly
competitive with those produced by the subject firm, and there has
been or is likely to be an increase in imports of like or directly
competitive articles. In accordance with the provisions of the
Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Designer's Group International, Designer's
Group Incorporated, a division of Chippenhook, North
Stonington, Connecticut, including on-site leased workers of
Randstad Staffing and Staffing Consultants, who became totally
or partially separated from employment on or after December 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 10th day of January 2005

/s/ Linda G. Poole

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