DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-61,827

COLLINS & AIKMAN
AMERICUS DIVISION
AMERICUS, GEORGIA

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 13, 2007 in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Collins & Aikman,
Americus Division, Americus, Georgia. The workers produced painted
plastic exterior trim for automobiles and golf carts.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customer regarding its purchases of
automobile bumpers in 2005, 2006, and January through July 2007
over the corresponding 2006 period. The survey revealed increased
import purchases 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 painted plastic exterior trim
produced by Collins & Aikman, Americus Division, Americus, Georgia
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 Collins & Aikman, Americus Division, Americus,
Georgia, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after July 10, 2006 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 13th day of August 2007


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