DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,819

RHE HATCO, INC.
STETSON HATS DIVISION
A SUBSIDIARY OF ARENA BRANDS, INC.
INCLUDING LEASED WORKERS FROM THE STAFFING CENTER, INC.
ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI

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 April 30, 2004 in response to
a petition filed by Union of Needletrades, Industrial & Textile
Employees (UNITE), St. Louis District Joint Board, on behalf of the
workers at RHE Hatco, Inc., Stetson Hats Division, a subsidiary of
Arena Brands, Inc., St. Joseph, Missouri. The workers at the
subject firm produce felt and wool hats.
The investigation revealed that the subject facility leased
workers from The Staff Center, Inc., St. Joseph, Missouri.
The investigation further revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject facility declined from 2002 to 2003.
The investigation revealed an increase in company imports of
felt and wool hats 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 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 facility 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 felt and wool hats produced at
RHE Hatco, Inc., Stetson Hats Division, St. Joseph, Missouri,
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 RHE Hatco, Inc., Stetson Hats Division, a
subsidiary of Arena Brands, Inc., including leased workers
from The Staffing Center, Inc., St. Joseph, Missouri, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after April 26, 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, as amended."
Signed in Washington, D.C., this 17th day of May 2004.
/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance