Petitioner Type: Workers
Impact Date: 12/16/2003
Filed Date: 12/22/2004
Most Recent Update: 01/11/2005
Determination Date: 01/11/2005
Expiration Date: 01/11/2007
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-56,244
CHILDREN'S GROUP, INC.
MAGIC CABIN DIVISION
VIROQUA, WISCONSIN
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, as
amended (19 USC 2273), the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of an 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 on December 22, 2004 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at Children's
Group, Inc., Magic Cabin Division, a subsidiary of 1800flowers.com,
Viroqua, Wisconsin. Workers produce dolls, kits, and doll
accessories.
The declines in employment at the subject facility are related
to a shift in production of dolls, kits, and doll accessories to a
country (Mexico) that is a party to a free trade agreement with the
United States. Transfers to other countries are also taking place.
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 firm are age 50 or over
and possess skills that are not easily transferable to positions
with similar pay and benefits. Furthermore, 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 in production
from the workers' firm or subdivision to Mexico of articles that
are like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject
firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act,
I make the following certification:
"All workers of Children's Group, Inc., Magic Cabin Division,
Viroqua, Wisconsin who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after December 16, 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 11th day of January, 2005
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance