DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-51,319

GEM ISLAND ENTERPRISES
d/b/a OPAL INDUSTRIES
MORGANTON, NORTH CAROLINA

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 an investigation regarding certification of
eligibility to apply for worker adjustment assistance as a
secondarily affected worker group.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance,
the group eligibility requirements for a supplier firm under
Section 222(b) must be met. It has been determined in this case
that the requirements are met.
The investigation was initiated on March 26, 2003 in response
to a petition filed by the company on behalf of workers of Gem
Island Enterprises, d/b/a Opal Industries, Morganton, North
Carolina. The workers at the subject firm produce underwear.
The investigation revealed that employment declined during
relevant period.
The investigation also revealed that Alba-Waldensian,
Valdese, North Carolina is a supplier of underwear. The subject
firm lost at least 65 percent of its business with a manufacturer
of underwear, whose workers were issued a certification of
eligibility to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that a loss of business with a primary
firm, contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of
workers producing fabric at Gem Island Enterprises, d/b/a Opal
Industries, Morganton, North Carolina.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the
following certification:
"All workers of Gem Island Enterprises, d/b/a Opal Industries,
Morganton, North Carolina who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after March 18, 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 at Washington, D.C., this 24th day of April, 2003.


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