DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-61,325

METRO FURNITURE
METAL FRAME DEPARTMENT AND UPHOLSTERY DEPARTMENT
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA


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, 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 18, 2007 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
Metro Furniture, Metal Frame Department and Upholstery Department,
Oakland, California. The workers are engaged in the production of
lounge frames and foam kits. The workers are separately
identifiable by product line.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
plant declined during the relevant period under investigation.
The investigation also revealed the subject firm shifted
production of lounge frames and foam kits 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 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 conclude that there was a shift in production of
lounge frames and foam kits from the workers' firm or subdivision
to Mexico of articles that are like or directly competitive with
those produced at Metro Furniture, Metal Frame Department and
Upholstery Department, Oakland, California. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:

"All workers of Metro Furniture, Metal Frame Department and
Upholstery Department, Oakland, California, who became totally
or partially separated from employment on or after April 17,
2006 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 22nd day of May, 2007.

/s/Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance