Petitioner Type: Workers
Impact Date: 12/04/2005
Filed Date: 12/05/2006
Most Recent Update: 01/25/2007
Determination Date: 01/25/2007
Expiration Date: 01/25/2009
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-60,538
HIPWELL MANUFACTURING HOLDING COMPANY
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
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 December 5, 2006 in
response to a petition on behalf of workers of Hipwell
Manufacturing Holding Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Workers
produced plastic flashlights.
Employment and production at the subject firm declined
absolutely when production ceased on December 23, 2005.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customers regarding their purchases of plastic
flashlights in 2004, 2005, and January through November 2006. This
survey revealed that customers increased reliance on imported
plastic flashlights during the relevant period.
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.
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 do not possess skills that are 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 plastic flashlights produced at
Hipwell Manufacturing Holding Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of
workers at the subject firm or subdivision. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Hipwell Manufacturing Holding Company,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after December 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 25th day of January 2007
/s/Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance