DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,240

LITCHFIELD FABRICS OF NORTH CAROLINA
GASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA

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 an investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for worker adjustment assistance as a secondarily affected
worker group.
The investigation was initiated on February 11, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by the company on behalf of workers at
Litchfield Fabrics of North Carolina, Gastonia, North Carolina.
Workers at the subject firm produced fabrics.
The investigation further revealed that Litchfield Fabrics of
North Carolina, Gastonia, North Carolina supplied fabric to a
manufacturer of fabric whose workers are certified eligible to
apply for adjustment assistance, and the loss of business by the
subject firm contributed importantly to the workers separations.



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 all workers Litchfield Fabrics of
North Carolina, Gastonia, North Carolina qualify as adversely
affected secondary workers under Section 222 of the Trade Act of
1974, as amended. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I
make the following certification:
"All workers of Litchfield Fabrics of North Carolina,
Gastonia, North Carolina who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after February 4, 2003,
through two years from the date of certification are eligible
to apply for trade adjustment assistance 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 8th day of March, 2004.

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