DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,164

TITMUS OPTICAL, INC.
PETERSBURG, 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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on June 29, 2004, in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Titmus Optical, Inc., Petersburg, Virginia. The workers produce
prescription safety eyewear.
The investigation revealed that a shift in production from the
subject plant to foreign countries (China and Korea) occurred
during the period of investigation, and layoffs at the subject firm
resulted from this shift in production. The investigation further
revealed that company imports are currently increasing.
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 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 conclude that there was a shift in production from
the workers' firm or subdivision to China and Korea of articles
that are like or directly competitive with those produced by the
subject firm or subdivision, and there has been an increase in
imports of like or directly competitive articles. In accordance
with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:



"All workers of Titmus Optical, Inc., Petersburg, Virginia who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after June 24, 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 28th day of July, 2004.



/s/ Richard Church

______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance