DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,716

MICHIGAN RAG COMPANY, INCORPORATED
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN

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 on July 30, 2001, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at Michigan Rag
Company, Incorporated, Grand Haven, Michigan. The workers
produced ladies= and men=s apparel.


The investigation was initiated on July 30, 2001 in response
to a petition filed by the company on behalf of the workers at
Michigan Rag Company in Grand Haven, Michigan. The workers were
engaged in employment related to the production of men=s and
women=s shirts, trousers, coats, sweaters, underwear, pajamas,
and robes.
The subject plant experienced declines in sales and
production in 2000 compared to 1999. Employment decreased over
the relevant period, and the subject plant ceased all production
permanently on August 31, 2001.
Aggregate U.S. imports for women's and girl's blouses and
shirts, and pajamas and other nightwear increased in the twelve
months ending June 2001 as compared to the twelve months ending
June 2000. In 2000, the import/shipment ratio for those import
categories exceeded 100 percent.
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 at Michigan Rag
Company, Incorporated, Grand Haven, Michigan, contributed
importantly to the declines in sales or production and to the
total or partial separation of workers at the Michigan Rag
Company in Grand Haven, Michigan. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:


"All workers of Michigan Rag Company, Incorporated, in Grand
Haven, Michigan, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after July 23, 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 at Washington, D.C., this 8th day of March, 2002.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance