DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,305

STEARNS, INC.
CARLTON, MINNESOTA

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 May 21, 2001, and filed on behalf of workers at Stearns,
Inc., Carlton, Minnesota. The workers produced personal flotation
devices (PFD's) and PFD shells.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm experienced
an absolute decline in production and employment during the relevant
period. The subject firm is now closed.
The investigation further revealed that there were substantial
increases in company imports of personal flotation devices (PFD's)
and PFD shells during the relevant period.
Workers of Stearns, Inc., Paynesville, Minnesota (TA-W-
39,491), and Stearns, Inc., Sauk Rapids, Minnesota (TA-W-39,491A),
were certified as eligible to apply for trade adjustment assistance
on July 30, 2001.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like
or directly competitive with personal flotation devices (PFD's) and
PFD shells produced by Stearns, Inc., Carlton, Minnesota,
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 Stearns, Inc., Carlton, Minnesota, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after April 25,
2000, 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 7th day of August, 2001.
/s/ Linda G. Poole

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