DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,051

MIKEN COMPANIES
CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK

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 September 30, 2005 in
response to a petition filed by a the Graphic Communications
Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (G.C.I.U.),
#261 on behalf of workers at Miken Companies, Cheektowaga, New
York. Workers at the subject firm produced printed materials (book
covers/jackets, greeting cards, tags, etc.)
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined absolutely with its closure
on September 16, 2005.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customers regarding their purchases of printed materials.
This survey revealed increased imports of printed material 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 do not possess skills that are 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 printed material produced at
Miken Companies, Cheektowaga, New York 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 Miken Companies, Cheektowaga, New York who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after September 22, 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 November 2005.
/s/ Linda G. Poole

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