Petitioner Type: Workers
Impact Date: 02/26/2005
Filed Date: 03/14/2006
Most Recent Update: 04/03/2006
Determination Date: 04/03/2006
Expiration Date: 04/03/2008
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-59,027
KAPPLER, INC.
GUNTERSVILLE, ALABAMA
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 March 14, 2006, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of the workers of
Kappler, Inc., Guntersville, Alabama. The workers are
engaged in the production of industrial protective clothing
(i.e. chemical protective apparel).
The investigation revealed that sales and employment
declined from 2004 to 2005. Sales, production and
employment declined from January through February 2006 over
the corresponding 2005 period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's
major declining customer regarding its purchases of
industrial protective clothing in 2004, 2005 and January
through February 2006. The survey revealed 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 industrial
protective clothing produced by Kappler, Inc.,
Guntersville, Alabama 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 Kappler, Inc., Guntersville, Alabama
who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after February 26, 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 3rd day of April, 2006
/s/Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance