DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,131

VAUGHAN FURNITURE COMPANY, INC.
STUART, VIRGINIA

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 June 23, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
Vaughan Furniture Company, Inc., Stuart, Virginia. The workers
were engaged in employment related to the production of bedroom
furniture.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm decreased in 2003 from 2002 and
during the period of January though June of 2004 when compared to
the same time period in 2003.
The investigation further revealed that the subject firm
increased their imports of bedroom furniture during the period of
investigation.
The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major customers regarding their purchases of bedroom
furniture during 2002, 2003 and January through June 2003-2004.
The survey revealed that respondents increased their imports 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 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 conclude that increases of imports of bedroom
furniture produced at Vaughan Furniture Company, Inc., Stuart,
Virginia 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 Vaughan Furniture Company, Inc., Stuart,
Virginia who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after June 18, 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 14th day of July, 2004.

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