DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,003

TIETEX INTERNATIONAL
TIETEX INTERIORS DIVISION
GIBSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on March 14, 2008, and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at Tietex International, Tietex Interiors
Division, Gibsonville, North Carolina. The workers produce
upholstery fabric.
The investigation revealed that workers at the subject
facility are under an existing certification (TA-W-59,198) which
will expire on May 26, 2008.
The investigation also revealed that sales, production and
employment declined at the subject facility during the relevant
period.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
upholstery fabric during 2006, 2007, and January through March 2008
over the corresponding 2007 period. The survey revealed that major
customers increased their purchases of imported upholstery fabric,
while decreasing their purchases from the subject firm during the
relevant time 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 upholstery fabrics produced at
Tietex International, Tietex Interiors Division, Gibsonville, North
Carolina, 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 Tietex International, Tietex Interiors
Division, Gibsonville, North Carolina, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after May 27, 2008,
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 17th day of April 2008.


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