DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,961

NORTECH SYSTEMS, INC.
BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA

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 April 14, 2005 in response
to a petition filed by a state agency representative on behalf of
workers of Nortech Systems, Inc., Bemidji, Minnesota. The workers
produce cable harnesses and assemblies.
Workers at the subject firm were previously certified as
eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance on May 14, 2003
(TA-W-51,688). That certification expired on May 14, 2005.
This investigation revealed that employment at the Bemidji
plant decreased from 2004 to March of 2005. Sales by the subject
firm declined during the period of January through March of 2005
compared to the same period in 2004.
An important cause of worker separations at the subject firm
is a shift in production of cable harnesses and assemblies to
Mexico. Mexico is 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 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. Competitive
conditions within the industry are adverse.
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 Nortech Systems, Inc., Bemidji, Minnesota who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after May 15, 2005 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 20th day of May 2005.

/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance