DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,277

TIMBUK2
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

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.
This investigation was initiated on April 29, 2008 in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Timbuk2, San Francisco,
California. The workers produce fabric messenger bags, tote bags
and laptop carrying cases. Workers are not separately identifiable
by specific product.
The investigation revealed that employment and production at
the San Francisco facility declined in year-to-date 2008.
The subject firm increased its imports of products like or
directly competitive with those manufactured at the San Francisco
facility in 2007 compared with 2006 and also in January through
March 2008 compared with the same period in 2007.
In addition, 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 fabric messenger bags, tote bags
and laptop carrying cases produced at Timbuk2, San Francisco,
California, 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 Timbuk2, San Francisco, California, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
April 28, 2007 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 August 2008


/s/Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance