DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40,645

STAR SPECIALTY KNITTING CO., INC.
LACONIA, NEW HAMPSHIRE

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 28, 2002, and filed by the company on behalf of
workers at Star Specialty Knitting, Co., Inc., Laconia, New
Hampshire. The workers produced athletic braces, athletic
supports, and thermal underwear.


The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined absolutely from 2000 to
2001. The subject firm ceased production in November of 2001.
A Department of Labor survey of the subject firm's major
customers revealed increases in imports of athletic braces,
athletic supports, and thermal underwear while reducing purchases
from Star Specialty Knitting.
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 Star Specialty
Knitting Co., Inc., Laconia, New Hampshire 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 the Star Specialty Knitting Co., Inc.,
Laconia, New Hampshire engaged in employment related to the
production of athletic braces, athletic supports, and thermal
underwear, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after October 24, 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 7th day of May, 2002.




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