DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-57,008

CALDWELL VSR, INC.
WESLACO, TEXAS
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 April 19, 2005 in response
to a petition filed by the State of Texas Business Workforce Center
on behalf of workers at Caldwell VSR, Inc., Weslaco, Texas. The
workers produce finished wood slats for mini blinds.
The investigation revealed that employment, sales and
production at the facility decreased in 2004 compared with 2003,
and also decreased in January through May 2005 compared with
January through May 2004.


The United States Department of Labor surveyed the subject
firm's major customer regarding its purchases of finished wooden
slats for mini blinds in 2003, 2004 and January through May 2005.
The survey revealed increased imports during the relevant period.
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 conclude that increases of imports of finished
wood slats for mini blinds produced at Caldwell VSR, Inc., Weslaco,
Texas 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 Caldwell VSR, Inc., Weslaco, Texas, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
April 19, 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 9th day of June, 2005.

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