DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,369

CALIFORNIA CONCEPTS
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility to Apply for
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 August 4, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by a state workforce representative on behalf
of workers of California Concepts, Gardena, California. The
workers of the subject firm are engaged in the production of
women's and girls' apparel (e.g.- dresses, coats and jeans).
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased from 2002 to 2003 and again during the
period from January through July 2004 compared to the same period
in 2003.
The investigation further revealed that aggregate U.S. imports
of women's and girls' dresses, slacks, shorts, coats and jackets
increased during the relevant period. The ratio of U.S. imported
dresses to U.S. shipments of women's and girls' dresses in 2003 was
over 180 percent.
In addition, in accordance with Section 246 of 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.
The group eligibility criteria for the ATAA program that the
Department must consider under Section 246 of the Trade Act are:
1. Whether a significant number of workers in the workers'
firm are 50 years of age or older.
2. Whether the workers in the workers' firm possess skills
that are not easily transferable.
3. The competitive conditions within the workers' industry
(i.e., conditions within the industry are adverse).

The Department has determined that criterion (2) has not been
met.
The investigation revealed that the workers possess skills
that are easily transferable to other positions.


Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with women's and girls' apparel
produced at California Concepts, Gardena, California contributed
importantly to the total or partial separation of workers and to
the decline in sales or production and at that firm or subdivision.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:
"All workers of California Concepts, Gardena, California who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after July 27, 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
"I further determine that all workers of California Concepts,
Gardena, California are denied eligibility for Alternative
Trade Adjustment Assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act
of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 10th day of September 2004


/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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