Petitioner Type: Company
Impact Date: 09/07/2003
Filed Date: 09/13/2004
Most Recent Update: 10/19/2004
Determination Date: 10/19/2004
Expiration Date: 10/19/2006
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-55,595
TOWNE SQUARE 2000, INC.
HILLSBORO, TEXAS
Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Trade 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 September 13, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers at Towne Square 2000, Inc., Hillsboro, Texas. The subject
firm produces wooden glider rockers.
Employment at the subject plant has declined, and the subject
firm has shifted production of wooden glider rockers to a country
(Canada) that is a party to a free trade agreement with the United
States.
The petitioner also requested consideration for Alternative
Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA).
In order to issue a certification of eligibility to apply for
ATAA for older workers, the group eligibility requirements of
Section 246(a)(3)(A)(ii) of the Trade Act must be met. The
Department has determined in this case that the requirements 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 conclude that there was a shift in production from
the workers' firm or subdivision to Canada 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 Towne Square 2000, Inc., Hillsboro, Texas who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after September 7, 2003 through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance
under Section 223, 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 19th day of October, 2004.
/s / Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance