DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,484

COOPER WOOD PRODUCTS
ROCKY MOUNT, VIRGINIA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Trade 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 June 25, 2001, in response to a petition filed by workers on behalf of workers of Cooper Wood Products, Rocky Mount, Virginia. The workers were engaged in the production of custom manufactured furniture components.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the subject plant decreased during the relevant period.
Investigation finding further reveal that the subject firm was scheduled to begin importing in July 2001.
The United States Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject firm's major customers. Results of the survey indicated a decrease in purchases from the subject firm, while revealing an increase in purchases from foreign facilities during the relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like or directly competitive with those produced by Cooper Wood Products, at Rocky Mount, Virginia, 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 Trade Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers at Cooper Wood Products, Rocky Mount, Virginia, who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after May 31, 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 26th day of December, 2001


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