DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-56,446

OLD MOTHER HUBBARD
LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS

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 January 31, 2005, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Old Mother Hubbard, Lowell, Massachusetts. Workers at
the subject firm produce pet food/pet treats.
The investigation revealed a significant number or proportion
of workers at the subject facility are threatened to become
separated from employment.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that some of the pet
foods/pet treats production at the subject firm shifted from
Lowell, Massachusetts to a country (Canada) that is a party to a
free trade agreement with the United States.
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 there was a shift in product from
the workers firm or subdivision to Canada 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 Old Mother Hubbard, Lowell, Massachusetts who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after January 26, 2004 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 17th day of February 2005
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance