DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,425

LESPORTSAC, INC.
HOT SPRINGS, 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 11, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by the company on behalf of workers at
LeSportsac, Inc., Hot Springs, North Carolina. The workers were
engaged in employment related to the production of nylon handbags.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased at the subject firm during the relevant
period.

The subject firm increased their reliance of imported nylon
handbags 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 nylon
handbags produced at LeSportsac, Inc., Hot Springs, 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 at LeSportsac, Inc., Hot Springs, North
Carolina who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after August 10, 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 2nd day of September, 2004.
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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