DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-64,594

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES
WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

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)(B) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on December 5, 2008 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Waltham, Massachusetts. The
workers produce thermal cyclers and engines used for DNA
analysis.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
facility declined significantly in January to November 2008
compared with the same period in 2007.
A substantial portion of production of the thermal cyclers
and engines manufactured at the Waltham facility is being
shifted to Mexico and Singapore, countries that are parties to
free trade agreements 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 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 there was a shift in production
from the workers firm or subdivision to Mexico and Singapore of
articles that are like or directly competitive with those
produced by the subject firm or subdivision. In accordance with
the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Waltham,
Massachusetts, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after December 3, 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 December 2008


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