DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,196

J.C. VIRAMONTES, INC.
D/B/A INTERNATIONAL GARMENT PROCESSORS
EL PASO, TEXAS

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 May 7, 2001 in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers at J.C. Viramontes,
Inc., d/b/a International Garment Processors, El Paso, Texas.
The workers were engaged in employment related to the production
of ladies' and men's denim apparel such as jackets, pants and
shorts.
The investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm decreased during the period under investigation.
The investigation also disclosed that J.C. Viramontes, Inc.,
d/b/a International Garment Processors workers performed contract
work for major garment customers who market their garments
through normal distribution channels. The subject firm has been
impacted by the high penetration of imports in this market.
U.S. imports of men's and boys' trousers, slacks, jeans and
pants, and for women's and girls' slacks and shorts increased
absolutely in 1999 as compared with the same period in 1998, and
in the twelve months through September 2000 as compared with the
same period in 1999. U.S. imports of men's and boys' coats and
jackets, and for women's and girls' coats and jackets, increased
absolutely in the twelve months through September 2000 as
compared with the same period in 1999. The ratio of imports to
domestic shipments for men's and boys' trousers, slacks, jeans,
coats and jackets, and for women's and girls' coats and jackets
exceeded 100% in 1999.
This worker group was previously certified eligible to apply
for TAA, petition TA-W-34,561, which expired May 29, 2001.
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 ladies' denim apparel
produced at J.C. Viramontes, Inc., d/b/a International Garment
Processors, El Paso, Texas, 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 J.C. Viramontes, Inc., doing business as
International Garment Processors, El Paso, Texas, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
May 30, 2000, through two years from the date of certifi-

cation are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under
Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."

Signed in Washington, D. C. this 29th day of June, 2001.

/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance