DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,186

ENCORE MEDICAL, L.P.
CHATTANOOGA DIVISION
DEPARTMENT 10
HIXSON, TENNESSEE

TA-W-63,186A

ENCORE MEDICAL, L.P.
CHATTANOOGA DIVISION
DEPARTMENT 15
HIXSON, TENNESSEE

TA-W-63,186B

ENCORE MEDICAL, L.P.
CHATTANOOGA DIVISION
DEPARTMENT 17
HIXSON, TENNESSEE

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), 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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on April 15, 2008 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of separately
identifiable workers of Encore Medical, L.P., Chattanooga Division,
Department 10, Hixson, Tennessee (TA-W-63,186) engaged in
employment related to the production of steam packs (pacs); Encore
Medical, L.P., Chattanooga Division, Department 15, Hixson,
Tennessee (TA-W-63,186A) engaged in employment related to the
production of shoulder drapes; and Encore Medical, L.P.,
Chattanooga Division, Department 17, Hixson, Tennessee (TA-W-
63,186B) engaged in employment (sewing) related to the production
of steam packs (pacs) and shoulder drapes.
The investigation revealed that employment at Encore Medical,
L.P., Chattanooga Division, Department 10, Hixson, Tennessee (TA-W-
63,186) decreased comparing April 2008 with full year 2007.
Additionally, a significant number or proportion of workers at
Encore Medical, L.P., Chattanooga Division, Department 15, Hixson,
Tennessee (TA-W-63,186A) and Encore Medical, L.P., Chattanooga
Division, Department 17, Hixson, Tennessee (TA-W-63,186B) are
threatened to become separated from employment.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that steam packs
(pacs) and shoulder drape productions, respectively, has shifted
and is shifting from the subject firm in Hixson, Tennessee 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 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 firms 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 there was a shift in production
from the workers' firms or subdivisions to Mexico of articles that
are like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject
firms or subdivisions. In accordance with the provisions of the
Act, I make the following certification:







"Workers of Encore Medical, L.P., Chattanooga Division,
Department 10, Hixson, Tennessee (TA-W-63,186) engaged in
employment related to the production of steam packs(pacs);
Encore Medical, L.P., Chattanooga Division, Department 15,
Hixson, Tennessee (TA-W-63,186A) engaged in employment related
to the production of shoulder drapes; and Encore Medical,
L.P., Chattanooga Division, Department 17, Hixson, Tennessee
(TA-W-63,186B) engaged in employment (sewing) related to the
production of steam packs (pacs) and shoulder drapes who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after April 10, 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 28th day of April 2008

/s/Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance