DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,098

INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE GROUP
BURLINGTON HOUSE
PIONEER PLANT
BURLINGTON, 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 November 29, 2004, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers at International Textile Group, Burlington House, Pioneer
Plant, Burlington, North Carolina. The workers produce fabrics
for bedding and window and mattress ticking.
The investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm declined from 2002 to 2003 and in January
through September 2004 over the corresponding period in 2003.
The company increased imports of fabrics for bedding and
window and mattress ticking during the relevant period.
Workers of Burlington House, Pioneer Plant, Burlington,
North Carolina, were certified eligible to apply for Trade
Adjustment Assistance under petition number TA-W-41,670B. That
certification expired August 21, 2004.
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 fabrics
for bedding and window and mattress ticking produced at
International Textile Group, Burlington House, Pioneer Plant,
Burlington, 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 at International Textile Group, Burlington
House, Pioneer Plant, Burlington, North Carolina who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
August 22, 2004, through two years from the date of
certification, are eligible to apply for adjustment assis-
tance 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 December, 2004.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance