DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-50,051

BLUE RIDGE SPORTSWEAR
PALMERTON, 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, 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 in response to a petition
received on November 12, 2002 and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at Blue Ridge Sportswear, Palmerton,
Pennsylvania. The workers produce ladies slacks and are not
separately identifiable by product line.
The investigation revealed declines in sales, production
and employment at the subject firm from 2000-2001 and during
January through September 2002 when compared to the same time
period in 2001. Furthermore, the United States increased imports
of ladies slacks from 2000 to 2001, and during January through
September 2002 when compared to the same time period in 2001.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with ladies slacks produced at Blue
Ridge Sportswear, Palmerton, Pennsylvania, contributed
importantly to the total or partial separation of workers and to
the decline in sales or production at that firm or subdivision.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the
following certification:
"All workers of Blue Ridge Sportswear, Palmerton,
Pennsylvania, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after November 8, 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, as amended."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 10th day of February, 2003

/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance