Petitioner Type: Company
Impact Date: 10/06/2003
Filed Date: 10/07/2004
Most Recent Update: 11/16/2004
Determination Date: 11/16/2004
Expiration Date: 11/16/2006
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-55,751
SEAMS, INC.
WHITE MILLS, PENNSYLVANIA
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 October 7, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by the company on behalf of workers at Seams,
Inc., White Mills, Pennsylvania. The workers were engaged in
employment related to the production of ladies underwear.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased at the subject firm during the relevant
period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the major customers of the
subject firm regarding their purchases of ladies underwear in 2002,
2003 and January through September 2004 over the corresponding 2003
period. The survey revealed that the major customers increased
their reliance on imported ladies underwear 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 in imports of ladies
underwear like or directly competitive with those produced by
Seams, Inc., White Mills, Pennsylvania, 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 Seams, Inc., White Mills, Pennsylvania, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after October 6, 2003 through two years from the date of
certification, are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance
under Section 223, 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 16th day of November, 2004.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance