DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,735

GN HEARING CARE CORPORATION
D/B/A BELTONE
CORPORATE SUPPORT DIVISION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

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 March 10, 2005, in response to
a petition filed by a state representative on behalf of workers at
GN Hearing Care Corporation, D/B/A Beltone, Corporate Support
Division, Chicago, Illinois. The workers at the subject firm
produce components for hearing aids, including preassembled plates
and subassemblies. The workers in the Corporate Support Division
are separately identifiable from the remaining workers at the
subject facility.
The investigation revealed that employment in the Corporate
Support Division decreased from 2003 to 2004 and during January
through February 2005 in comparison with the same timeframe in
2004.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that company imports
of subassemblies and components increased after the subject firm
shifted production from the Chicago, Illinois 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 in production
from the workers' firm or subdivision to China and Denmark of
articles that are like or directly competitive with those produced
by the subject firm or subdivision, 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 GN Hearing Care Corporation, D/B/A Beltone,
Corporate Support Division, Chicago, Illinois, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
February 21, 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 18th day of April 2005.

/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance