DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,333

SMITH & WESSON
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273) as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act
of 1988 (P. L. 100-418), 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 adjustment assistance
each of the group eligibility requirements of Section 222 of the
Act must be met. It is determined in this case that all of the
requirements have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on November 20, 2000, and filed on behalf of workers at
Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Massachusetts. The workers produce
handguns.
Sales, production and employment all declined at the subject
firm in the relevant period.
United States imports of handguns have increased substantially
in the relevant period. The most recent increase, for the January
through September 2000 period, is in excess of 78%.
The Department of Labor surveyed major customers of the
subject firm regarding their purchases of handguns. The survey
indicated that customers have participated fully in the overall
import increase while reducing purchases from the subject firm. In
particular, the firm's largest customer reported increased imports
in 1999 while reducing purchases from the subject firm, and
continued to increase its reliance on imports in the year 2000.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with handguns produced by Smith &
Wesson, Springfield, Massachusetts contributed importantly to the
decline in sales or production and to the total or partial
separation of workers of that firm. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Massachusetts,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after November 2, 1999, through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance
under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 12th day of December, 2000.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance