DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,955
.
SHEPARD/JUSTIN
NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS


Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
U.S.C. 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 that all of the requirements
have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on April 2, 2001, filed by the Union of Needle-trades,
Industrial, and Textile Employees(UNITE) on behalf of workers at
Shepard/Justin, New Bedford Massachusetts. The workers were
engaged in the production of suits and sport-coats.
Investigation findings revealed that production and
employment at the New Bedford, Massachusetts facility has
declined during the relevant period. The company has also
increased its imports of suits and sport-coats.

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 the suits and sport-coats manufactured
at Shepard/Justin, New Bedford, Massachusetts, contributed
importantly to the total or partial separation of workers from
that firm. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make
the following certification:
"All workers of Shepard/Justin, New Bedford, Massachusetts,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after June 16, 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 11th day of June 2001.


/s/ Edward A. Tomchick

Edward Tomchick
Program Director, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance