DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-50,336

RHODES COLLECTIONS, INC.
GARLAND, TEXAS

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 December 6, 2002 and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at Rhodes Collections, Inc., Garland, Texas.
The workers produce ladies apparel, including women's suits.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm declined from 2000 to 2001. Sales, production and
employment also declined from January through November of 2002
when compared with the same time period in 2001.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customer regarding its purchases of women's suits. This survey
revealed increases in customer imports of women's suits during
the relevant time period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with women's suits produced at
Rhodes Collections, Inc., Garland, Texas 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 Rhodes Collections, Inc., Garland, Texas
who became totally or partially separated from employment
on or after December 6, 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 29th day of January, 2003
/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance