DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-60,177

HOOKER FURNITURE CORPORATION
MARTINSVILLE PLANT
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA

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 October 2, 2006 in response to
a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Hooker Furniture Corporation, Martinsville Plant, Martinsville,
Virginia. Workers at the subject firm produce wood household
furniture (residential wood home office, entertainment centers, and
bedroom furniture).
The investigation revealed that production at the subject firm
decreased from 2004 to 2005 as well as January through September
2006 when compared to the same period in 2005.
Employment at the subject firm also declined during the
relevant period.
The investigation further revealed that company imports of
wood household furniture increased during 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 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 wood household furniture produced
at Hooker Furniture Corporation, Martinsville Plant, Martinsville,
Virginia 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 Hooker Furniture Corporation, Martinsville
Plant, Martinsville, Virginia who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after September 29, 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 5th day of October 2006


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