DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-60,210

GUTMANN LEATHER, LLC
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

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 October 5, 2006 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
Gutmann Leather, LLC, Chicago, Illinois. The workers produce
cowhide leather.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined to zero on November 3, 2006 when operations at
the subject facility ceased.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of cowhide leather in 2004,
2005 and January-September 2006. The survey revealed an increased
reliance on imported cowhide leather 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 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 cowhide leather produced at
Gutmann Leather, LLC, Chicago, Illinois, 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 Gutmann Leather, LLC, Chicago, Illinois who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after October 4, 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 8th day of November, 2006


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