DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,240

GST AUTOLEATHER
HAGERSTOWN OFFICE
HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND

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 November 1, 2005, in
response to a petition filed by a state agency representative on
behalf of workers at GST Autoleather, Hagerstown Office,
Hagerstown, Maryland. The workers provide administrative support
to an affiliate manufacturing facility.
The investigation revealed that a significant number or
proportion of workers at the subject firm are threatened to become
separated from employment.
The investigation revealed that GST Autoleather, Hagerstown
Office, Hagerstown, Maryland is in direct support of GST
Autoleather, Williamsport, Maryland (TA-W-57,625) which was
certified eligible to apply for trade adjustment assistance on
August 17, 2004. The certification was based on a shift in
production to Mexico.
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 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 GST
Autoleather. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make
the following certification:
"All workers of GST Autoleather, Hagerstown Office,
Hagerstown, Maryland who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after October 31, 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 6th day of December 2005.
/s/ Linda G. Poole

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