DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,106

ABBEVILLE SHIRTMAKERS, INC.
ABBEVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273) as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act
of 1988 (P. L. 100-418), the Department of Labor herein presents
the results of an investigation regarding certification of eligi-
bility to apply for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance
each of the group eligibility requirements of Section 222 of the
Act must be met. It is determined in this case that all of the
requirements have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on September 18, 2000, and filed on behalf of workers at
Abbeville Shirtmakers, Inc., Abbeville, South Carolina. The
workers produce men's shirts.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment declined
at the subject plant during the relevant period.
The United States Department of Labor conducted a survey of
the subject firm's major customer. The survey revealed a reduction
in purchases from the subject firm along with an increase in
imports.
Apparel produced by the subject firm is marketed through
normal retail channels. Thus, the articles manufactured by the
subject firm have been impacted importantly by the high penetration
of imports into this market.
United States imports of men's and boys' shirts increased in
1999 compared to 1998; in 1999, the ratio of imports to domestic
shipments was more than 180 percent.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-
gation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like or
directly competitive with men's shirts produced at Abbeville
Shirtmakers, Inc., Abbeville, South Carolina, contributed
importantly to the decline in sales or production and to the total
or partial separation of workers of that firm. In accordance with
the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Abbeville Shirtmakers, Inc., Abbeville,
South Carolina, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after September 7, 1999 through
two years from the date of certification are eligible to
apply for adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the
Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 3rd day of October, 2000.

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