DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-57,153

DOWNEAST WOODCRAFTERS, INC.
SKOWHEGAN, MAINE

TA-W-57,153A
DOWNEAST WOODCRAFTERS, INC.
MADISON, MAINE

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) (A) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on May 11, 2005 in response
to a petition filed by a state agency representative on behalf
of workers of Downeast Woodcrafters, Inc., Skowhegan, Maine and
Downeast Woodcrafters, Inc., Madison, Maine. The workers are
engaged in employment related to the production of rules,
handles, and machined wood parts.
Workers of Downeast Woodcrafters, Inc., Skowhegan, Maine
(TA-W-57,153) produce rules, handles and machined wood parts.
Workers of Downeast Woodcrafters, Inc., Madison, Maine (TA-W-
57,153A) produce maple and oak feed stock and supply that
material exclusively to the Skowhegan, Maine plant.
The investigation revealed that production and employment
at the Skowhegan plant (TA-W-57,153) and Madison plant (TA-W-
57,153A) declined in January through April 2005 when compared to
the same period in 2004.
The Department of Labor surveyed the major declining
customer of the subject firm regarding its purchases of rules,
handles, and machined wood parts during 2003, 2004, and January
through April 2005. The survey revealed that the customer
increased import purchases 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 determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject
firm contributed importantly to the decline in sales or
production and to the total or partial separation of workers of
that firm. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make
the following certification:



"All workers of Downeast Woodcrafters, Inc., Skowhegan,
Maine (TA-W-57,153), and Downeast Woodcrafters, Inc.,
Madison, Maine (TA-W-57,153A), who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after May 10,
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 20th day of June 2005.

/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance