DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-59,171

STARKEY LABS INC.
MICROTECH & QUALITONE
EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply For Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility To Apply For
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 April 7, 2006 in response
to a petition filed by State agency representative on behalf of
workers of Starkey Labs Inc., Microtech & Qualitone, Eden Prairie,
Minnesota. The workers produce hearing aids.
The investigation revealed that the employment decline at the
subject firm is attributable to a shift in a portion of the
production of hearing aids to a country (Mexico) that is a party to
a free trade agreement with the United States.
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 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.
The group eligibility criteria for the ATAA program that the

Department must consider under Section 246 of the Trade Act are:

1. Whether a significant number of workers in the
workers' firm are 50 years of age or older.

2. Whether the workers in the workers' firm possess skills
that are not easily transferable.

3. The competitive conditions within the workers' industry
(i.e., conditions within the industry are adverse).

The Department has determined that criterion 2 has not been

met.

The investigation revealed that the workers do possess
skills that are easily transferable to positions in the local
area.



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 hearing aids produced
by the subject firm or subdivision. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Starkey Labs Inc., Microtech & Qualitone,
Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after April 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
I further determine that all workers of Starkey Labs Inc.,
Microtech & Qualitone, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, are denied
eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Signed in Washington, D.C., this 21st day of April 2006.

/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance