DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,768

ZAGAROLI CLASSICS, INC.
HICKORY, 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 July 30, 2008 in response
to a petition filed by a state agency representative on behalf of
workers of Zagaroli Classics, Inc., Hickory, North Carolina.
Workers at the subject firm produce upholstered furniture.
Employment and production at the subject firm declined from
2006 to 2007.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customers regarding purchases of products like or
directly competitive with upholstered furniture for 2006, 2007,
January through July 2008, and January through July 2008. The
survey revealed increased imports of products like or directly
competitive with upholstered furniture.
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 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 upholstered furniture produced at
Zagaroli Classics, Inc., Hickory, North Carolina, contributed
importantly to the total or partial separation of workers at the
subject firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of
the Act, I make the following certification:


"All workers of Zagaroli Classics, Inc., Hickory, North
Carolina who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after July 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 30th day of September 2008

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