DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-50,685

ELM TEX, INC.,
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

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 January 27, 2003, in
response to a petition filed by a state workforce agency
(Massachusetts) on behalf of workers of Elm Tex, Inc., West
Springfield, Massachusetts. The workers produce silk screens for
the textile industry.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm declined during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firms major
declining customers regarding their purchases of silk screens. The
survey revealed that customer(s) increased their imports of silk
screens, while reducing purchases from the subject firm during the
relevant 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 silk screens produced at Elm Tex,
Inc., West Springfield, Massachusetts 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 Elm Tex, Inc., West Springfield, Massachusetts
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after January 24, 2002 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 19th day of March, 2003.


/s/ Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance