DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,986

RETANGO WEST, INC.
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

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 an 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 in response to a petition
received on January 12, 2004 and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at Retango West, Inc., Brooklyn, New York. The
workers are engaged in employment related to the production of
junior sweaters.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at
Retango West, Inc., Brooklyn, New York declined during the period
under investigation.
The investigation further revealed that U.S. imports of
women's and girls' sweaters increased during the twelve month
period ending June 2003 as compared with the twelve month period
ending June 2002. In the twelve month period ending June 2003
the ratio of U.S. imports to U.S. shipments of women's and girl's
blouses, shirts and sweaters was over 600 percent.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increased of import of articles
like or directly competitive with junior sweaters, contributed
importantly to the separation of workers of Retango West, Inc.,
Brooklyn, New York. In accordance with the provisions of the
Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Retango West, Inc., Brooklyn, New York who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after January 6, 2003, 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 at Washington, D.C., this 29th day of January, 2004.

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