DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,544

LEVI STRAUSS & COMPANY
SAN ANTONIO FINISHING & SEWING CENTER DIVISION
SAN ANTONIO, 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)(A) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on November 17, 2003, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Levi Strauss & Company, San Antonio Finishing &
Sewing Center Division, San Antonio, Texas. The workers produce
jeans and jean related pants.
The investigation revealed that all workers of Levi Strauss
Finishing Plant in San Antonio, Texas are covered by an existing
certification (TA-W-41,377E), which does not expire until July
10, 2004.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined at the subject firm from 2001 to 2002 and
also from December through October 2003 when compared to the
same time period in 2002.
The investigation also revealed that company imports of
jeans and jean related pants increased at the subject firm from
December through October 2003 when compared to the same time
period in 2002.
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 increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with jeans and jean related pants
produced by Levi Strauss & Company, San Antonio Finishing &
Sewing Center Division, San Antonio, Texas, 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:
"Workers of Levi Strauss & Company, San Antonio Finishing &
Sewing Center Division, San Antonio, Texas engaged in
employment related to sewing jeans and jean related pants
who became totally or partially separated from employment
on or after November 14, 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, as
amended."
Signed in Washington, D.C., this 23rd day of December, 2003

/s/Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance