Petitioner Type: State
Impact Date: 08/18/2004
Filed Date: 08/19/2005
Most Recent Update: 09/09/2005
Determination Date: 09/09/2005
Expiration Date: 09/09/2007
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-57,795
3M COMPANY
FAIRMONT, 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 August 19, 2005 in
response to a petition filed by a state representative on behalf
of workers of 3M Company, Fairmont, Minnesota. The workers
produce fastening and protective products, including extrusion
bonded loop diaper closure fasteners.
Employment at the subject firm declined from January
through July 2005 when compared with the same period of 2004.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm shifted
production of extrusion bonded loop diaper closure fasteners to
a country (Mexico) that is a 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 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 has been a shift in
production of extrusion bonded loop diaper closure fasteners
from the workers' firm or subdivision to Mexico. In accordance
with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:
"Workers of 3M Company, Fairmont, Minnesota, engaged in
employment related to the production of extrusion bonded
loop diaper closure fasteners, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after August 18,
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 at Washington, D.C., this 9th day of September 2005
/s/ Linda G. Poole
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LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance