DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,389

THE APPAREL GROUP
D/B/A CHASELINE
REIDSVILLE, 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 (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 May 15, 2008 in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of The Apparel Group,
D/B/A Chaseline, Reidsville, North Carolina. The workers
produced potholders, oven mitts, tote bags, and quilts.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment all declined in January through February 2008
compared with the same period in 2007.
The Department of Labor contacted the subject firm's
primary customer regarding purchases of potholders, oven mitts,
tote bags, and quilts in 2007 through March 2008. The firm
revealed increasing import purchases during the relevant period.
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.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with the potholders, oven mitts,
tote bags, and quilts produced at The Apparel Group, D/B/A
Chaseline, Reidsville, 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 The Apparel Group, D/B/A Chaseline,
Reidsville, North Carolina, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after May 12, 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 3rd day of June 2008


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