DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,883

H&J LEATHER
JOHNSTOWN, NEW YOTK

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273), 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 December 24, 2003 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of H&J Leather,
Johnstown, New York. The workers at the subject firm produced
finished leather.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm decreased in 2003 compared with
2002, and that the subject firm shut down on October 10, 2003.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's major
customer regarding its purchases of finished leather in 2001,2002
and 2003. The survey revealed increases in imports 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 finished leather produced at H&J
Leather, Johnstown, New York. 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 H&J Leather, Johnstown, New York who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
December 15, 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 26th day of January, 2004.

Richard Church
____________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance