DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-59,964

GERALD SMITH HOSIERY
FORT PAYNE, ALABAMA

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 28, 2006 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Gerald Smith Hosiery, Fort Payne, Alabama. Workers at the subject
firm produced socks.
The investigation revealed that employment, sales, and
production at the subject firm decreased from 2004 to 2005 and
again during the period of January through August 2006 over the
corresponding 2005 period.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that there were
substantial and increasing aggregate United States imports of socks
during the relevant period. The ratio of United States imports to
United States shipments of socks in the first quarter of 2006 was
over 150 percent.
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 those produced by Gerald Smith
Hosiery, Fort Payne, Alabama, contributed to the total or partial
separation of workers and to the decline in sales or production and
at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of
the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers at Gerald Smith Hosiery, Fort Payne, Alabama who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after August 25, 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 15th day of September, 2006.



/s/Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance