DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,329

WESTCHESTER LACE
KNITTING DEPARTMENT
NORTH BERGEN, NEW JERSEY

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 28, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by the Union of Needletrades, Textiles and
Industrial Employees (UNITE) on behalf of workers at Westchester
Lace, Knitting Department, North Bergen, New Jersey. The workers
were engaged in employment related to the production of lace and
textiles.

The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm decreased at the subject firm during
the relevant period.
The subject firm increased their imports of lace and textiles
during the relevant period.
The petitioner also requested consideration for Alternative
Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA).
In order to issue a certification of eligibility to apply for
ATAA for older workers, the group eligibility requirements of
Section 246(a)(3)(A)(ii) of the Trade Act must be met. The
Department has determined in this case that the requirements 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 lace and
textiles produced at Westchester Lace, Knitting Department, North
Bergen, New Jersey 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 at Westchester Lace, Knitting Department,
North Bergen, New Jersey who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after July 21, 2003 through
two years from the date of certification are eligible to apply
for adjustment assistance under Section 223, and alternative
trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act
of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C., this 27th day of August, 2004.
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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