DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40,580

DEBBI-SUE FASHIONS, INC.
BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA

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 in response to a petition
received on January 14, 2002, and filed by the Allentown-Easton
district of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile
Employees on behalf of workers at Debbi-Sue Fashions, Inc.,
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The workers produced ladies' swimwear.


The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined absolutely from 2000 to
2001. The subject firm ceased production in October of 2001.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that United States
aggregate imports of ladies' swimwear increased substantially
during the relevant time 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 at Debbi-Sue
Fashions, Inc., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 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 Debbi-Sue Fashions, Inc., Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania engaged in employment related to the production
of ladies' swimwear, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after November 20, 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 3rd day of May, 2002.


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