DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,154
LEATHER'S BEST
JOHNSTOWN, NEW YORK

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 on October 2, 2000, and
filed on behalf of workers at Leather's Best, Johnstown, New
York. The workers produced full grain finished leather.
This investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined to zero with the closing of the subject firm.
The subject firm increased the percentage its sales that
were derived from imported leather in 1999 compared with 1998.
The U. S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of major
customers of the subject firm regarding their purchases of
various leathers in 1998, 1999 and January to July, 2000. The
survey revealed that customers are increasingly relying on
purchases of leather from abroad.
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 full grain leather produced at
Leather's Best, Johnstown, New York, contributed importantly to
the decline in sales or production and to the total or partial
separation of workers of the subject firm. In accordance with
the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Leather's Best, Johnstown, New York, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after September 19, 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 19th day of October, 2000.



/s/ Linda G. Poole


LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance