Petitioner Type: State
Impact Date: 12/29/2003
Filed Date: 01/21/2005
Most Recent Update: 02/15/2005
Determination Date: 02/15/2005
Expiration Date: 02/15/2007
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-56,370
MERIDIAN AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN
Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply For Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility To Apply For
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 January 21, 2005, in
response to a petition filed by company official and State agency
representative on behalf of workers of Meridian Automotive Systems,
Dearborn, Michigan. The workers produced plastic injection molded
parts for the automotive industry.
The investigation revealed that the company is in the process
of shifting production at the subject facility to Mexico a country
under free trade agreement with the U.S. Layoffs will occur as a
result of this shift in production.
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 addition, 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.
The group eligibility criteria for the ATAA program
that the Department must consider under Section 246 of the
Trade Act are:
1. Whether a significant number of workers in the
workers' firm are 50 years of age or older.
2. Whether the workers in the workers' firm possess skills
that are not easily transferable.
3. The competitive conditions within the workers' industry
(i.e., conditions within the industry are adverse).
The Department has determined that criterion 2 has not been
met.
The investigation revealed the workers possess skills that
are easily transferable.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude 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 Meridian Automotive Systems, Dearborn,
Michigan who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after December 29, 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."
I further determine that all workers of Meridian Automotive
Systems, Dearborn, Michigan are denied eligibility to apply for
alternative trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the
Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D.C. this 15th day of February 2005.
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance