DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-59,703

DEMERS LEATHER SALES INC.
LEWISTON, MAINE

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance
Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for 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 July 12, 2006 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Demers Leather Sales Inc., Lewiston, Maine. The workers at the
subject facility produce custom cut leather.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject facility declined between 2005 and June
2006.

The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's
primary customers regarding purchases of custom cut leather in
2004, 2005 and in the period of January through June of 2006. The
survey revealed that during the relevant period, respondents became
increasingly reliant on imports of custom cut leather.
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 one has not been
met.
The investigation revealed that a significant number of workers
age 50 or older have not been separated during the relevant period.


Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with custom cut leather produced at
Demers Leather Sales Inc., Lewiston, Maine 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 Demers Leather Sales Inc., Lewiston, Maine who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after July 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."
I further determine that all workers of Demers Leather Sales
Inc., Lewiston, Maine 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 22nd day of August 2006

/s/Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance