DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-50,218

UNITED SEWING APPAREL, INC.
SKILLSTAFF, INC.
ETOWAH, TENNESSEE

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 on November 29, 2002, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of United Sewing Apparel, Inc., Etowah, Tennessee. The
workers at the subject firm produced military-style unisex
camouflage shirts and pants.
The investigation revealed that some of the workers wages are
reported under the Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax account for
Skillstaff, Inc.
The investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm declined absolutely when the company ceased
operations in September 2002.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that there were
substantial and increasing U.S. aggregate imports of men's and
boys' shirts and trousers, slacks, jeans and pants during the
twelve months ending June, 2002, compared to the same time period
of 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 men's and boys' shirts and pants
produced at United Sewing Apparel, Inc., Etowah, Tennessee,
contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of
workers and to the decline in sales or production and at that firm
or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I
make the following certification:



"All workers of United Sewing Apparel, Etowah, Tennessee, and
workers of Skillstaff, Inc., engaged in employment related to
the production of men's and boys' shirts and pants at United
Sewing Apparel, Inc., Etowah, Tennessee, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after November 27,
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 28th day of January, 2003



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