DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-57,045

LOCKLEAR HOSIERY, INC.
FORT PAYNE, ALABAMA

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 April 25, 2005 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
Locklear Hosiery, Inc., Fort Payne, Alabama. The workers at the
subject firm produce men's and boys' socks.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined absolutely with its closure
on February 22, 2005.
The investigation also revealed that aggregate United States
imports of socks are at high and increasing levels both absolute
and relative to domestic shipments. In 2004 the import-to-domestic
shipment ratio was over 120 percent. Imports of socks and hosiery
increased by 20 percent during the period of January through March,
2005, compared to the same period in 2004.
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 addition, 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 facility are age 50 or
over and do not possess skills that are 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 socks produced at Locklear
Hosiery, Inc., Fort Payne, Alabama contributed importantly to the
total or partial separation of workers and to the decline in sales
or production and at that facility or subdivision. In accordance
with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Locklear Hosiery, Inc., Fort Payne, Alabama
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after April 6, 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 25th day of May 2005.

/s/ Richard Church
__________________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance