DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,811

GOZA MANUFACATURING
FORT PAYNE, ALABAMA

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 October 18, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by the company on behalf of workers at
Goza Manufacturing, Fort Payne, Alabama. The workers were engaged
in employment related to the production of socks.
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 customer of the
subject firm regarding their purchases of socks in 2002, 2003 and
January through September 2004 over the corresponding 2003 period.
The survey revealed that the major customer increased its reliance
on imported socks during the relevant period.
The petitioner also requested consideration for Alternative
Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA).
In addition, 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.
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 [1] has not been
met.

The investigation revealed no employees over the age of 50.



Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases in imports of socks like
or directly competitive with those produced by Goza Manufacturing,
Fort Payne, Alabama, 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 Goza Manufacturing, Fort Payne, Alabama, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after October 15, 2003 through two years from the date of
certification, are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance
under Section 223, and are denied alternative trade adjustment
assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C., this 5th day of November, 2004.
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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