DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,564

HAEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.
MACOMB DIVISION
MACOMB, ILLINOIS

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), 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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on September 7, 2004, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Haeger Industries, Inc., Macomb Division, Macomb,
Illinois. The workers produce ceramic floral containers.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined in January through August
2004 compared with January through August 2003. It is anticipated
that the subject firm will shut down on October 31, 2004.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of ceramic floral containers in
2002, 2003 and January through August 2004. Respondents reported
that imports increased absolutely in 2003, and reliance on imports
continued to increase through August of 2004.
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 increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive produced by Haeger Industries, Inc.,
Macomb Division, Macomb, Illinois, contributed importantly to the
total or partial separation of workers and to the decline in sales
or production and at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with
the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Haeger Industries, Inc., Macomb Division,
Macomb, Illinois, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after September 3, 2003 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 22nd day of September, 2004.

/s/ Richard Church

______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance