Petitioner Type: Company
Impact Date: 01/11/2005
Filed Date: 01/13/2006
Most Recent Update: 02/01/2006
Determination Date: 02/01/2006
Expiration Date: 02/01/2008
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-58,636
SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
ENDOSCOPY DIVISION
ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS
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 January 13, 2006, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Smith & Nephew, Inc., Endoscopy Division, Andover,
Massachusetts. The workers produce medical devices.
The investigation revealed that employment declined during
2004 and 2005, and further separations are anticipated in the near
future.
The subject firm shifted a portion of its production of
medical devices to a country (Mexico) that is party to a free trade
agreement with the United States 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 addition, 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 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 the subject firm or
subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make
the following certification:
"All workers of Smith & Nephew, Inc., Endoscopy Division,
Andover, Massachusetts who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after January 11, 2005 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 1st day of February 2006.
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance