DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-52,485

PILLOWTEX CORPORATION
PILLOW AND PAD DIVISION
HANOVER, PENNSYLVANIA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade 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 August 8, 2003 in response
to a petition filed by the company on behalf of workers at
Pillowtex Corporation, Pillow and Pad Division, Hanover,
Pennsylvania. The workers at the subject firm produce mattress
pads, pillows and comforters.
The investigation revealed that the preponderance in the
declines in employment and production at the subject plant is
related to an increase in company imports of mattress pads, pillows
and comforters during the relevant period.
The petitioner also requested consideration for Alternative
Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA).
In order to issue a certification of eligibility to apply for
ATAA for older workers, the group eligibility requirements of
Section 246(a)(3)(A)(ii) of the Trade Act must be met. The
Department has determined in this case that the requirements have
been met.
A significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or over
and possess skills that are not easily transferable. Competitive
conditions within the industry are adverse.


Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with mattress pads, pillows and
comforters produced at Pillowtex Corporation, Pillow and Pad
Division, Hanover, Pennsylvania 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 Pillowtex Corporation, Pillow and Pad
Division, Hanover, Pennsylvania, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after August 6, 2002
through two years from the date of certification are eligible
to apply for adjustment assistance under Section 223, and
alternative trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of
the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 5th day of September, 2003.

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