DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-54,281

CHAMI DESIGN, INC.
TACOMA, WASHINGTON

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 February 17, 2004, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers at Chami Design, Inc., Tacoma, Washington. The workers
were engaged in the production of coats and jackets.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm declined from 2002 to 2003.
U.S. imports of men's and boys' coats and jackets increased
during the twelve month period ending September 2003 over the
corresponding twelve month period ending September 2002. The U.S
import to shipment ratio of men's and boys' coats and jackets was
over 798 percent in 2002.
U.S. imports of women's and girls' coats and jackets increased
during the twelve month period ending September 2003 over the
corresponding twelve month period ending September 2002. The U.S.
import to U.S. shipment ratio of women's and girls' coats and
jackets was 809 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 coats and
jackets produced by Chami Design, Inc., Tacoma, Washington,
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 Chami Design, Inc., Tacoma, Washington who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after February 12, 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 15th day of March, 2004.

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