DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,580

PLAINSMAN HOSIERY, INC.
FORT PAYNE, ALABAMA

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), 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 March 24, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Plainsman Hosiery, Inc., Fort Payne, Alabama. The company is an
affiliate of Prewett Mills Distribution Center, A Division of
Prewett Hosiery Sales Corporation. The workers at the subject firm
produce women's and children's socks.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject facility decreased in 2003 compared with
2002 and also declined in January through March 2004 compared with
the same period in 2003.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of women's and children's socks
during the relevant period. The survey revealed increases in
imports during the period under investigation.
In addition, 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 do not possess skills that are 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 women's and children's socks
produced at Plainsman Hosiery, Inc., Fort Payne, Alabama,
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 Plainsman Hosiery, Inc., Fort Payne, Alabama,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after March 15, 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 27th day of April, 2004.

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