DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,136

FRUIT OF THE LOOM, TEXAS, INC.,
GITANO DEPT.
HARLINGEN, TEXAS

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
eligibility 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 October 2, 2000, and filed on behalf of workers at
Fruit of the Loom, Texas, Inc., Gitano Dept., Harlingen, Texas. The
workers produced women's and men's jeans.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment declined during the relevant period.
The investigation also revealed that Fruit of the Loom, Texas,
Inc., Gitano Dept. was a major garment manufacturer who marketed
their garments through normal distribution channels. The subject
firm has been impacted by the high penetration of imports in this
market.
United States imports of women's and men's jeans increased
during the twelve month period ended March 2000. In the twelve
month period ended March 2000, the import to shipment (I./S.) ratio
was over 100 percent.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with women's and men's jeans produced
by Fruit of the Loom, Texas, Inc., Gitano Dept., Harlingen, Texas
contributed importantly to the decline in 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 Fruit of the Loom, Texas, Inc., Gitano Dept.,
Harlingen, Texas, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after September 11, 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 November, 2000.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance