DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-64,280

PHOENIX LEATHER, INCORPORATED
BROCKTON, MASSACHUSSETTS

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 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)(A) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on October 27, 2008 in
response to a petition filed by a state workforce official on
behalf of the workers of Phoenix Leather, Incorporated,
Brockton, Massachusetts. The workers are engaged in activities
related to the production of finished leather.
The investigation revealed employment and sales at the
subject facility declined during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customers regarding purchases of finished leather
during 2006, 2007 and January through August 2008 over the
corresponding 2007 period. The survey revealed increased import
purchases during the relevant 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 finished leather produced by
Phoenix Leather, Incorporated, Brockton, Massachusetts,
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 Phoenix Leather, Incorporated, Brockton,
Massachusetts, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after October 23, 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 19th day of November 2008


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