DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-60,362

BIEDERLACK OF AMERICA CORP.
CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND

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 November 3, 2006 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Biederlack of America Corp., Cumberland, Maryland. The
workers produced blankets, throws, pillows, bean bags, and banners.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject facility declined between 2004 and 2005
and in January through September 2006 compared with the same period
in 2005.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's
primary customers regarding purchases of blankets, throws, pillows,
bean bags, and banners in 2004, 2005, and January through September
2006. The survey revealed that the respondents became increasingly
reliant on imports 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 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 blankets, throws, pillows, bean
bags, and banners produced by Biederlack of America Corp.,
Cumberland, Maryland 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 Biederlack of America Corp., Cumberland,
Maryland, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after October 13, 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 4th day of December 2006

/s/ Linda G. Poole

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