96-26489. Snap-On, Incorporated; Mt. Carmel, IL; Notice of Negative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 16, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 53938]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26489]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
[TA-W-32,388]


Snap-On, Incorporated; Mt. Carmel, IL; Notice of Negative 
Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration

    By an application dated August 26, 1996, the International 
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM&AW) requested 
administrative reconsideration of the subject petition for trade 
adjustment assistance (TAA). The denial notice was signed on July 29, 
1996 and published in the Federal Register on August 26, 1996 (61 FR 
43791).
    The initial investigation findings showed that the workers produced 
hand tools such as ratchets, pliers and miscellaneous wrenches. The 
Department's denial was based on the fact that the ``contributed 
importantly'' test of the Group Eligibility Requirements of the Trade 
Act was not met. Company officials indicated that a significant portion 
of the layoffs were attributable to the shift of a torque wrench 
production line in early 1996, from the Mt. Carmel plant to an 
affiliated facility located in Industry, California. The corporate 
decision to shift production to another domestic location would not 
form the basis for a worker certification.
    The IAM&AW request for reconsideration enclosed numerous statements 
from workers of the subject firm describing an all employee meeting 
where a company official stated that imports of some hand tools from 
abroad were increasing in quality and decreasing in price, and thus, 
impacting workers jobs in Mt. Carmel.
    Another test of the ``contributed importantly'' criterion is 
generally demonstrated through a survey of the workers' firm's 
customers. However, in this case the hand tools produced by Snap-On are 
mass marketed through a dealer network and sold to independent 
automobile mechanics. Therefore, a customer survey was not feasible. 
The Department must rely on import statistics to determine import 
impact on workers of the subject firm.
    Based on petitioners allegations, the Department reviewed and 
updated the trade statistics for wrenches and pliers. Aggregate U.S. 
imports of wrenches declined from 1994 to 1995 and in the twelve-month 
period of June through May 1995-1996 compared to the same twelve months 
of 1994-1995. Aggregate U.S. imports of pliers rose slightly from 1994 
to 1995 but decreased in the twelve-month period of June through May 
1995-1996 compared to the same twelve months of 1994-1995.

Conclusion

    After reconsideration, I affirm the original notice of negative 
determination of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance under 
Section 223 of the Trade Act to workers and former workers of Snap-On, 
Incorporated, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 1st day of October 1996.
Russell T. Kile,
Acting Program Manager, Policy and Reemployment Services, Office of 
Trade Adjustment Assistance.
[FR Doc. 96-26489 Filed 10-15-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-30-M