DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,722

STEFANIE FASHIONS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY

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 April 15, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by a state agency on behalf of workers at
Stefanie Fashions, Jersey City, New Jersey. The workers produced
ladies' coats.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm decreased from 2002 to 2003.
The Department of Labor surveyed a major customer of the
subject firm regarding its purchases of ladies' coats in 2002 and
2003. Results of the survey indicated that the customer increased
its reliance on imports of ladies' coats while reducing purchases
from the subject firm during the relevant period.
United States imports of women's and girls' coats and jackets
increased in 2003 compared with 2002. The ratio of imports to
shipments was over 700 percent in 2002.
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 increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with ladies' coats produced at
Stefanie Fashions, Jersey City, New Jersey 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 Stefanie Fashions, Jersey City, New Jersey who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after April 14, 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 18th day of May, 2004.

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