DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,435
.
BLACKFEET WRITING INSTRUMENTS, INC.
BROWNING, MONTANA

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 eligi-
bility 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 that all of the requirements
have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on December 18, 2000, and filed on behalf of workers at
Blackfeet Writing Instruments, Inc., Browning, Montana. The
workers produce writing instruments.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined at the subject firm during the relevant
period.

The United States Department of Labor conducted a survey of
the subject firm's customers regarding their purchases of writing
instruments. The survey revealed that the customers reduced
purchases from the subject firm and increased imports of writing
instruments in 2000 compared to 1999, resulting in a decline in
sales for the subject firm.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-
gation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like or
directly competitive with writing instruments produced at
Blackfeet Writing Instruments, Inc., Browning, Montana,
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 Blackfeet Writing Instruments,
Inc., Browning, Montana, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after
November 21, 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 March 2001.


/s/ Linda G. Poole

LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance