DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,633

SOUTHERN HARDWOOD INC.
INCLUDING ONSITE LEASED WORKERS OF
OLSTEN STAFFING AND MEGAFORCE TEMPS.
LAURINBURG, 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 an investigation regarding certification of
eligibility to apply for worker adjustment assistance as a
secondarily affected worker group.
The investigation was initiated on January 13, 2006 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at the
Southern Hardwood Inc., Laurinburg, North Carolina. The workers
produced hardwood furniture squares.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm closed in
December of 2005.
Furthermore the investigation revealed that the subject
firm is a supplier of component parts to furniture manufacturer
whose workers received a certification of eligibility to apply
for trade adjustment assistance, and the loss of business with
that firm contributed importantly to worker separations at
Southern Hardwood Inc., Laurinburg, North Carolina.
In addition, 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 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 workers of Southern Hardwood
Inc., Laurinburg, North Carolina qualify as adversely affected
secondary workers under Section 222 of the Trade Act of 1974, as
amended. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make
the following certification:
"All workers of Southern Hardwood Inc., Laurinburg, North
Carolina, including leased workers of Olsten Staffing and
Megaforce Temps working onsite at Southern Hardwood Inc.,
Laurinburg, North Carolina, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after January 10, 2005,
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 at Washington, D.C., this 10th day of February, 2006

/s/ Linda G. Poole

__
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance