DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,912

BETTER BAGS, INC.
MANUFACTURING DIVISION
HOUSTON, TEXAS

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, as
amended (19 USC 2273), the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of an 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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on November 3, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by a state representative on behalf of
workers at Better Bags, Manufacturing Division, Houston, Texas.
The subject firm produces plastic bags.
Employment at the subject plant has declined, and the subject
firm has shifted production of plastic bags to a country (Mexico)
that is a party to a free trade agreement with the United States.
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 there was a shift in production from
the workers' firm or subdivision to Mexico of articles that are
like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject
firm or subdivision.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the
following certification:
"All workers of Better Bags, Manufacturing Division, Houston,
Texas who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after October 29, 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 22nd day of November, 2004.


/s/ Linda G. Poole


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