DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,544

BAUSCH & LOMB
SARASOTA, FLORIDA

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 January 16, 2001, and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at Bausch & Lomb, Sarasota, Florida. The workers
produce contact lenses.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm reduced
production and employment levels at Sarasota, Florida and has
increased their reliance on contact lenses imported by the firm.


Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with contact lenses produced by Bausch
& Lomb, Sarasota, Florida 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 Bausch & Lomb, Sarasota, Florida, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
December 27, 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