DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40,217

SHIRTS PLUS II, INC.
LORETTO, TENNESSEE

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 October 15, 2001, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at Shirts Plus
II, Inc., Loretto, Tennessee. The workers were engaged in
employment related to the production of t-shirts.
The investigation revealed that employment, sales and
production declined at the subject firm during the relevant
period.
The subject firm closed permanently in August 2001.
United States aggregate data shows imports of men's and
boys' shirts importantly increased from 1999 to 2000 and in the
twelve months ending June 2001. Also, United States aggregate
data shows imports of women's and girl's blouses and shirts
importantly increased from 1999 to 2000 and the twelve months
ending June 2001 during the period under investigation.
A petition for NAFTA-Transitional Adjustment Assistance has
been filed on behalf of workers at Shirts Plus II, Inc., Loretto,
Tennessee (NAFTA-5399).
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases in imports of products
like or directly competitive with those produced at Shirts Plus
II, Inc., Loretto, Tennessee, 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 Trade Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers at Shirts Plus II, Inc., Loretto, Tennessee,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after September 17, 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