DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-62,970

MAINE MOCCASIN
LEWISTON, MAINE

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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on March 7, 2008, and filed by the Lewiston Maine Career
Center on behalf of workers at Maine Moccasin, Lewiston, Maine.
The workers produce uppers for shoes.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined at the subject facility during the relevant
period.
The Department of Labor contacted the subject firm's major
declining customer regarding its purchases of uppers during 2006
and 2007. The survey revealed that the major customer increased
its purchases of imported uppers, while decreasing their purchases
from the subject firm during 2007 as compared with 2006.
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 shoe uppers produced at Maine
Moccasin, 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 Maine Moccasin, Lewiston, Maine, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
March 5, 2007, 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 16th day of April 2008.


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