DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-64,209

FEDERAL SCREW WORKS
BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

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 on October 10, 2008, in
response to a petition filed by the Michigan State Workforce Office
on behalf of workers of Federal Screw Works, Big Rapids, Michigan.
The workers produce metal fasteners used in the auto industry.
The investigation revealed that employment and sales declined
at the subject facility during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
industrial component parts in 2006 through September 2008. The
survey revealed that respondents increased their imports while
decreasing their purchases from the subject firm during the
relevant time period.
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 industrial component parts
produced at Federal Screw Works, Big Rapids, Michigan 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 Federal Screw Works, Big Rapids, Michigan, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after October 9, 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 18th day of November 2008


/s/Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance