DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,697

MTD SOUTHWEST, INC.
PLASTICS DEPARTMENT
TEMPE, ARIZONA

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 an investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for worker adjustment assistance as a secondarily affected
worker group.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility for secondary workers to apply for
Trade Adjustment Assistance, the group eligibility requirements of
paragraph (b) of Section 222 of the Trade Act, as amended, must be
met. It is determined in this case that the requirements of (b) of
Section 222, as amended, have been met.
The investigation was initiated on July 16, 2008 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
MTD Southwest, Inc., Plastics Department, Tempe, Arizona. Workers
in the Plastics Department are engaged in the production of
plastics and machined components for lawn and garden equipment.
The investigation revealed that employment and sales at the
subject facility declined in 2006 through June 2008.
The subject firm is shifting production of plastics and
machined components for lawn and garden equipment to Mexico.
Mexico is a party to the North American Free Trade Agreement.
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 subject facilities 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 there was a shift in production
from the workers' firm or subdivision to Mexico of articles that
are like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject
firm or subdivision, and there has been or is likely to be an
increase in imports of like or directly competitive articles. In
accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:
"All workers MTD Southwest, Inc., Plastics Department, Tempe,
Arizona, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after July 12, 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 23rd day of July 2008
/s/ Richard Church

RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance