DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,306

ELASTIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC.
COLUMBIANA, ALABAMA

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 July 23, 2004, in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Elastic Corporation of
America, Inc., Columbiana, Alabama. The workers produced narrow
woven elastic tapes for underwear waistbands.
The investigation revealed that the sales, production and
employment of the subject firm decreased in 2003 compared with 2002
and in January through June 2004 compared with the same period in
2003.

The company increased their reliance on imported narrow
woven elastic tapes in 2003 compared with the same period in 2002
and further increased their reliance on imported narrow woven
elastic tapes from January through June 2004 over the
corresponding 2003 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 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 narrow woven elastic tapes for
underwear waistbands produced at Elastic Corporation of America,
Inc., Columbiana, Alabama 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 Elastic Corporation of America, Inc.,
Columbiana, Alabama who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after July 20, 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 19th day of August, 2004.
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance