DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,518

BELTEX CORPORATION
CLAIBORNE PLANT
NEW TAZEWELL, TENNESSEE

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 January 9, 2001, and
filed on behalf of workers at Beltex Corporation, Claiborne
Plant, New Tazewell, Tennessee. The workers produced men's and
boys' underwear.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined during the relevant
period. The plant will permanently close on February 14, 2001.
The subject firm increased imports of men's and boys'
underwear during the relevant period.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 and boys' underwear produced at
Beltex Corporation, Claiborne Plant, New Tazewell, Tennessee,
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 Beltex Corporation, Claiborne Plant, New
Tazewell, Tennessee, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after December 20, 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 26th day of January, 2001.



/s/ Linda G. Poole

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