DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-64,290

HOYA LENS OF AMERICA INCORPORATED
INCLUDING ON-SITE LEASED WORKERS FROM MARIA NUGENT AND
VIKING RESOURCE GROUP
BETHEL, CONNECTICUT

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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on October 28, 2008 in
response to a petition filed by a Rapid Response Coordinator on
behalf of workers of Hoya Lens of America Incorporated, Bethel,
Connecticut. Workers at the subject firm are engaged in activities
related to the production of prescription lenses.
The investigation revealed Hoya Lens of America Incorporated,
Bethel, Connecticut, employed on-site leased workers from Maria
Nugent, Danbury, Connecticut, and Viking Resource Group, Danbury,
Connecticut.
The investigation revealed that employment declined at the
subject firm from January through September 2008 compared to the
corresponding 2007 period.
The preponderance in the declines in employment at the subject
firm is related to a shift in production of prescription lenses to
Thailand. The investigation also revealed that there is a high
likelihood that the firm will increase imports of prescription
lenses following this shift abroad.
In addition, in accordance with Section 246 of 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 conclude that there was a shift in production from
a firm or subdivision to Thailand 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 of Hoya Lens of America Incorporated, Bethel,
Connecticut, including on-site leased workers from Maria
Nugent, Danbury, Connecticut, and Viking Resource Group,
Danbury, Connecticut, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after October 27, 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 4th day of November 2008
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance