DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,857

FLEXSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA

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 August 12, 2008, in
response to a petition filed by the United Steelworkers of
America on behalf of workers of Flexsteel Industries, Inc.,
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The workers produce residential
furniture.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
plant decreased in 2007 and through July 2008, and further
separations are anticipated in 2008, as the subject firm plans
to cease production in Lancaster.
The investigation also revealed that the subject firm had
an increased reliance on imports from China of products like or
directly competitive with residential furniture in 2007,
compared with 2006. Imports continued to increase in January
through July 2008.
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 residential furniture produced
at Flexsteel Industries, Inc., Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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 Flexsteel Industries, Inc., Lancaster,
Pennsylvania who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after August 4, 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 22nd day of September 2008

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