DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-62,072

BLOCK CORPORATION
AMERICAN TROUSER DIVISION
COLUMBUS, 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, as
amended (19 USC 2273), the Department of Labor herein presents
the results of an 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)(B) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on August 30, 2007 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at Block
Corporation, American Trouser Division, Columbus, Mississippi.
The workers produce samples of men's pants.
The investigation revealed that a significant number or
proportion of workers at the subject firm are threatened to
become separated from employment.
The subject firm shifted production of men's pants samples
to China in 2007. It is likely that the company will increase
imports of men's pants samples.
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 there was a shift in production
from the workers' firm or subdivision to China of articles that
are like or directly competitive with those produced by the
subject firm or subdivision, and there has been or is likely to
be an increase in imports of like or directly competitive
articles. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make
the following certification:
"All workers of Block Corporation, American Trouser
Division, Columbus, Mississippi, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after August 29,
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 30th of August 2007


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