DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,624

IRWIN MANUFACTUIRNG CORPORATION
OCILLA, GEORGIA

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 September 20, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by the company on behalf of workers at
Irwin Manufacturing Corporation, Ocilla, Georgia. Workers
produce crib bedding and are separately identifiable from other
product(s)produced at the subject firm.
The investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm decreased during the relevant period.
The subject firm increased their reliance on crib bedding
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 crib bedding
produced at Irwin Manufacturing Corporation, Ocilla, Georgia
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 Irwin Manufacturing Corporation, Ocilla,
Georgia engaged in the production of crib bedding, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
September 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 24th day of September, 2004.
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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