DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-42,198

TRITEX SPORTSWEAR, INC.
ALTOONA, PENNSYLVANIA

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 eli-
gibility 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 September 30, 2002, filed by the company on behalf of
workers at Tritex Sportswear, Inc., Altoona, Pennsylvania. The
workers produced men's and women's outer wear (jackets and pants).
Investigation findings revealed that the subject plant
experienced declines in sales, production, and employment during
the past year.
The investigation also showed that United States imports of
women's and girls' selected apparel, such as coats, jackets, slacks
and shorts, increased during the twelve month period through March
2002 as compared with the twelve month period ending March 2001.
A petition for NAFTA-Transitional Adjustment Assistance has
been filed on behalf of workers at the subject firm (NAFTA-7562).
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-
gation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like or
directly competitive with those produced by Tritex Sportswear,
Inc., Altoona, Pennsylvania, contributed importantly to the decline
in sales and production and to the total or partial separation of
workers of the subject firm. In accordance with the provisions of
the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers at Tritex Sportswear, Inc., Altoona,
Pennsylvania, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after September 9, 2001, 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 at Washington, D.C., this 14th day of November 2002.
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner
__________________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance