DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,410

J. ROYALE FURNITURE, INC.
CONOVER, NORTH CAROLINA

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 August 10, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
J. Royale Furniture, Inc., Conover, North Carolina. Workers at the
subject firm produced upholstered furniture.
The investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm declined from January through July 2004 when
compared to January through July 2003.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customer regarding its purchases of upholstered
furniture. This survey revealed an increased reliance on import
purchases of upholstered furniture during the relevant 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 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 facility are age 50 or
over and do not possess skills that are 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 upholstered furniture produced by
J. Royale Furniture, Inc., Conover, North Carolina, 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 J. Royale Furniture, Inc., Conover, North
Carolina, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after August 4, 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 2nd day of September 2004

/s/ Linda G. Poole


_____________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance