DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-57,659

VF INTIMATES, LP
A DIVISION OF THE VF CORPORATION
MCALLEN, TEXAS

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 August 1, 2005 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
VF Intimates, LP, a division of the VF Corporation, McAllen, Texas.
The workers produce intimate apparel.
The investigation revealed that employment and production at
the subject facility declined from 2003 to 2004, and during the
period of January through July of 2005 compared to the same period
in 2004.
The ratio of aggregate United States imports of underwear to
U.S. shipments was over 400 percent in 2003 and increased
substantially 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 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 intimate apparel produced at VF
Intimates, LP, a division of the VF Corporation, McAllen, Texas
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 VF Intimates, LP, a division of the VF
Corporation, McAllen, Texas who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after August 1, 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 9th day of September 2005
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance