DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,174

NEEDLETRADE SERVICES LTD.
FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS

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 October 19, 2005, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Needletrade Services Ltd., Fall River, Massachusetts.
The workers produce curtains/draperies on a contract basis.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment decreased in 2004 compared with 2003, and in January
through September, 2005, compared with the same period one year
earlier.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of curtains and draperies 2003,
2004 and year-to-date 2005. The survey revealed increased imports
accompanied by reduced purchases from the subject firm in the
relevant period.
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 curtains/draperies produced at
Needletrade Services Ltd., Fall River, Massachusetts 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 Needletrade Services Ltd., Fall River,
Massachusetts who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after October 18, 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 15th day of November, 2005

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