Petitioner Type: Workers
Impact Date: 01/05/2004
Filed Date: 01/10/2005
Most Recent Update: 02/14/2005
Determination Date: 02/14/2005
Expiration Date: 02/14/2007
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-56,314
SOUTHERN HOME ACCENTS
ABBEVILLE, SOUTH 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), 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 January 10, 2005 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Southern Home
Accents, Abbeville, South Carolina. The workers produce decorative
pillows.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased in 2004 compared to 2003.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of decorative pillows in 2003
through January of 2005. The survey revealed increases in imports
during the period under investigation.
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.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility requirements
of Section 246 of the Trade Act must be met. The Department has
determined in this case that the requirements of Section 246 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 determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with decorative pillows produced at
Southern Home Accents, Abbeville, South Carolina contributed
importantly to the total or partial separation of workers and to
the decline in sales or production and at that firm or subdivision.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:
"All workers of Southern Home Accents, Abbeville, South
Carolina who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after January 5, 2004 through two years from
the date of certification are eligible to apply for adjustment
assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, 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 14th day of February, 2005
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance