DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,428

VF PLAYWEAR
GREENSBORO, 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, as
amended (19 USC 2273), 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 March 3, 2004, and filed on behalf of workers at VF
Playwear, Greensboro, North Carolina. The workers produced
children's playwear apparel.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
plant declined in 2003 and through February of 2004.
The subject firm increased its imports of children's playwear
in 2003 compared with 2002 and also increased imports in January
through February, 2004 compared with the same period of 2003.
United States aggregate imports of products like or directly
competitive with children's playwear increased during the
relevant period.
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 eli-
gibility 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 increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with children's playwear produced at
VF Playwear, Greensboro, North Carolina, 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 VF Playwear, Greensboro, North Carolina, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after March 3, 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 31st day of March 2004.

/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance