DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,154

APOLLO KNITWEAR, INC.
LAFAYETTE, GEORGIA

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 28, 2004 in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers at Apollo Knitwear, Inc.,
Lafayette, Georgia. The workers produced knit apparel (shirts and
sweat shirts).
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased from 2002 to 2003 and January through June
2004.
The investigation further revealed that United States
aggregate imports of women's and girls' blouses, shirts and
sweaters and men's and boy's shirts and sweaters increased in 2003
compared with 2002. Also, the ratio of U.S. imports to shipments
of these products was well over 100 percent in the period under
investigation.
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 knit apparel
(shirts and sweat shirts) and produced at Apollo Knitwear, Inc.,
Lafayette, Georgia 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 Apollo Knitwear, Inc., Lafayette, Georgia who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after June 17, 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 16th day of July, 2004.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance