Petitioner Type: Workers
Impact Date: 12/22/2004
Filed Date: 01/18/2006
Most Recent Update: 03/01/2006
Determination Date: 03/01/2006
Expiration Date: 03/01/2008
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-58,646
KLAUSSNER FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC.
ROBBINS, 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), 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 January 18, 2006, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at Klaussner
Furniture Industries, Inc., Robbins, North Carolina. The
workers at the subject firm manufactured upholstered furniture.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
firm declined from 2004 to 2005.
In December 2005, the subject firm ceased production of
upholstered furniture in Robbins, North Carolina, and converted
the facility to a distribution center.
The investigation further revealed that company imports of
upholstered furniture increased from 2004 to 2005.
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 increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with upholstered furniture produced
by Klaussner Furniture Industries, Inc., Robbins, North
Carolina, 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:
"Workers of Klaussner Furniture Industries, Inc., Robbins,
North Carolina, engaged in employment related to the
production of upholstered furniture, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after December 22,
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 1st day of March 2006.
/s/Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance