Petitioner Type: Workers
Impact Date: 02/01/2004
Filed Date: 02/02/2005
Most Recent Update: 02/24/2005
Determination Date: 02/24/2005
Expiration Date: 02/24/2007
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-56,469
BLACKSTONE MANUFACTURING
BLACKSTONE, VIRGINIA
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), as amended, 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 February 2, 2005, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Blackstone
Manufacturing, Inc., Blackstone, Virginia. The workers produce
juvenile furniture.
The investigation revealed that the subject plant is ceasing
all production at Blackstone as the parent company maintains and
expands their reliance on imported juvenile furniture.
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 increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with juvenile furniture produced at
Blackstone Manufacturing, Inc., Blackstone, Virginia contributed
importantly to the total or partial separation of workers and to
the decline in sales or production at that firm or subdivision. In
accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:
"All workers of Blackstone Manufacturing, Inc., Blackstone,
Virginia who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after February 1, 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 24th day of February, 2005.
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance