DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-52,991

SELECT ELASTICS OF AMERICA, INC.
MCALLEN, TEXAS

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)(B) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on September 25, 2003 and filed on behalf of workers at
Select Elastics of America, Inc., McAllen, Texas. The workers
were engaged in employment related to the production of elastic
for apparel.
The preponderance in the declines in employment at the
subject plant is related to a shift in plant production of
elastic for apparel to a country (Mexico) that is beneficiary
country with a free trade agreement.
In accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26 USC
2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of
eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
(ATAA) for older workers.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility requirements
of Section 246 of the Trade Act must be met. The Department has
determined in this case that the requirements of Section 246 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 determine that there was a shift in production
from the workers firm or subdivision to Mexico of articles that
are like or directly competitive with those produced by the
subject firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions
of the Act, I make the following certification:



"All workers of Select Elastics of America, Inc., McAllen,
Texas who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after September 22, 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, and are also eligible to apply for alternative trade
adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of
1974."

Signed in Washington, D. C. this 3rd day of November, 2003.


/s/ Linda G. Poole

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