DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-65,421

ASHLEY FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC.
UPHOLSTERY DIVISION
RIPLEY, MISSISSIPPI

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 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 February 27, 2009 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Ashley
Furniture Industries, Inc., Upholstery Division, Ripley,
Mississippi. The workers produce upholstered furniture.
This investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined from 2007 to 2008 and
during the period of January through February 2009 when compared to
the same time period the previous year.
The investigation further revealed that the subject firm
increased its imports of upholstered furniture during the relevant
period.
In addition, in accordance with Section 246 of 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 in imports of articles
like or directly competitive with upholstered furniture produced by
Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., Upholstery Division, Ripley,
Mississippi, 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 Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., Upholstery
Division, Ripley, Mississippi, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after February 26, 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 16th day of April, 2009
/s/ Linda G. Poole
____________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance