DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,076

GRIFFIN MANUFACTURING, INC.
FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSSETS

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 October 1, 2003 in response
to a petition filed by a State agency representative on behalf of
workers of Griffin Manufacturing, Inc., Fall River, Massachusetts.
The workers at the subject firm produce athletic apparel; they are
not separately identifiable by product line.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm decreased absolutely during the
period of January through September of 2003, when compared to the
same period in 2002.
The investigation further revealed that the subject firm did
not import athletic apparel or shift production of athletic apparel
to a foreign country during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customers regarding their purchases of athletic apparel.
This survey revealed increases in imports of athletic apparel
during the period under investigation.



Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with athletic apparel produced at
Griffin Manufacturing, Inc., Fall River, Massachusetts 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 Griffin Manufacturing, Inc., Fall River,
Massachusetts who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after September 26, 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."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 19th day of November, 2003

/s/ Linda G. Poole

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