DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-59,666

BERKLINE BENCHCRAFT, LLC
BALDWYN FACILITY PLANT 7
BALDWYN, MISSISSIPPI

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 July 6, 2006, in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Berkline Benchcraft
LLC, Baldwyn Facility, Plant 7, Baldwyn, Mississippi. The workers
produce free standing upholstered furniture.
The investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm declined during the relevant period.
The United States Department of Labor surveyed the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
free standing upholstered furniture during 2004, 2005, and January
through June 2006. The survey revealed an increased reliance on
import purchases of free standing upholstered furniture during the
period under investigation.
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 free standing upholstered
furniture produced by Berkline Benchcraft LLC, Baldwyn Facility,
Plant 7, Baldwyn, Mississippi, 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 Berkline Benchcraft LLC, Baldwyn Facility,
Plant 7, Baldwyn, Mississippi, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after July 3, 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 in Washington, D.C., this 23rd day of August, 2006


/s/Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance