DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-65,900

BIEDERLACK OF AMERICA
CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND

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 7, 2009, in response to
a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Biederlack of America, Cumberland, Maryland. The workers at the
subject firm produced household linens and soft goods, such as
blankets, throws, pillows, beanbags, and banners. The workers are
not separately identifiable by article produced.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined absolutely upon its closure
in April 2009.
The investigation also revealed that imports of articles like
or directly competitive with the household linens produced by the
subject firm increased relative to domestic production during 2008
as compared to the previous year, and that the increased imports
contributed importantly to worker separations and subject firm
sales/production declines.
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 facility 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 household linens and soft goods
produced at Biederlack of America, Cumberland, Maryland 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 Biederlack of America, Cumberland, Maryland,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after May 5, 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 29th day of September, 2009


/s/Del Min Amy Chen
__________________________________
DEL MIN AMY CHEN
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance