DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,772
.
HEDSTROM CORPORATION
ALMA, GEORGIA

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 that all of the requirements
have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on March 5, 2001, filed on behalf of workers at Hedstrom
Corporation, Alma, Georgia, producing trampoline pads.
The investigation revealed that workers at the plant also
produce trampoline mats.
Sales of trampoline pads declined at the subject firm during
the relevant period. Employment began to decline in January 2001,
when production of trampoline pads shifted overseas. Production
of trampoline mats will remain at the subject plant. Only workers
who produced the pads will be laid off.
Investigation findings revealed that company imports of
trampoline pads from foreign facilities increased absolutely in
the year 2000 compared with 1999.
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 trampoline pads manufactured at
Hedstrom Corporation, Alma, Georgia contributed importantly 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 Hedstrom Corporation, Alma, Georgia, engaged
in employment related to trampoline pads, who became totally
or partially separated from employment on or after March 5,
2000, 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 30th day of April 2001.


/s/ Linda G. Poole

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