Petitioner Type: State
Impact Date: 02/06/2005
Filed Date: 02/07/2006
Most Recent Update: 03/14/2006
Determination Date: 03/14/2006
Expiration Date: 03/14/2008
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-58,796
HASTINGS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
HASTINGS, MICHIGAN
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 February 7, 2006,
in response to a petition filed by a state agency
representative on behalf of the workers of Hastings
Manufacturing Company, Hastings, Michigan. The workers are
engaged in the production of piston rings for the
automotive industry.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment
declined from 2004 to 2005.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's
major declining customers regarding their purchases of
piston rings in 2004 and 2005. The surveys revealed that
customers increased import purchases during 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 piston rings
produced by Hastings Manufacturing Company, Hastings,
Michigan 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 Hastings Manufacturing Company,
Hastings, Michigan who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after February 6, 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 14th day of March, 2006
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance