DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,809

HOT WAX CANDLE COMPANY
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 (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 April 29, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Hot Wax Candle Company, Greensboro, North Carolina. The workers
produced candles.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased in 2003 compared to 2002. The subject firm
shut down on April 16, 2004.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's major
customers regarding their purchases of candles in 2002-2003 and
January through April, 2003-2004. The survey revealed absolute
increases in imports of candles and increased reliance on imported
candles during the relevant period.
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 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 candles produced at Hot Wax
Candle Company, 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 Hot Wax Candle Company, Greensboro, North
Carolina who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after April 28, 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 10th day of June, 2004.

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