DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-54,090

PLAID CLOTHING
ERLANGER, KENTUCKY

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 January 28, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by Union of Needletrades, Industrial
and Textile Employees (UNITE) on behalf of workers at Plaid
Clothing, Erlanger, Kentucky. The workers were engaged in the
production of men's and boys' suits and sport jackets.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm declined during the relevant period.




U.S. imports of men's and boys' suits, coats and jackets
increased during the twelve month period ended September 2003 over
the corresponding twelve month period ended September 2002. The
U.S import to shipment ratio of men's and boys' suits was over 250
percent in 2003. The U.S. import to U.S. shipment ratio of men's
and boys' coats and jackets was nearly 800 percent in 2002.
The petitioner also requested consideration for Alternative
Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA).
In order to issue a certification of eligibility to apply for
ATAA for older workers, the group eligibility requirements of
Section 246(a)(3)(A)(ii) of the Trade Act must be met. The
Department has determined in this case that the requirements 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 conclude that increases of imports of men's and
boys' suits and sport jackets produced at Plaid Clothing, Erlanger,
Kentucky 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:
"All workers of Plaid Clothing, Erlanger, Kentucky who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
January 27, 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, 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 9th day of March, 2004.

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