DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-59,837

REL STAPLETON INC.
INCLUDING LEASED WORKERS OF
TEC EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply For Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility To Apply For
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 August 3, 2006, in response
to a petition filed by the State Rapid Response Coordinator on
behalf of workers at Rel Stapleton Inc., Van Buren, Arkansas. The
workers produce portable step stools.
The investigation revealed that a shift in production from the
subject firm to China occurred during the period of investigation,
and layoffs at the subject plant resulted from this shift in
production. The investigation further revealed that the subject
firm is increasing its imports of portable step stools as a result.
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.
The group eligibility criteria for the ATAA program that the
Department must consider under Section 246 of the Trade Act are:
1. Whether a significant number of workers in the workers'
firm are 50 years of age or older.

2. Whether the workers in the workers' firm possess skills
that are not easily transferable.

3. The competitive conditions within the workers' industry
(i.e., conditions within the industry are adverse).

The Department has determined that criteria 2 and 3 have not been
met. Increasing employment in the fabricated metal products
industry indicates that competitive conditions in the industry are
not adverse, and the skills of the worker group are easily
transferable to other positions.
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 China of articles that are like
or directly competitive with those produced by the subject firm or
subdivision, and there has been an increase in imports of like or
directly competitive articles. In accordance with the provisions of
the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Rel Stapleton Inc., including leased workers
of Tec Employment Agency, Van Buren, Arkansas who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
August 2, 2005 through two years from the date of certi-
fication are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under
Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."
I further determine that all workers of Rel Stapleton Inc.,
including leased workers of Tec Employment Agency, Van Buren,
Arkansas, are denied eligibility to apply for alternative
trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act
of 1974.
Signed in Washington, D.C., this 15th day of September, 2006

/s/Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance