DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40,758

R & M DRESS, INC.
ALSO KNOWN AS OLD FRIENDS CLOTHING COMPANY
LEBANON, 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 February 4, 2002, and filed on behalf of workers at R &
M Dress, Inc., also known as Old Friends Clothing Company, Lebanon,
Pennsylvania. The workers produced women's sportswear.


The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined absolutely from 2000 to
2001.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that there were
substantial and increasing United States aggregate imports of
women's sportswear during the period under investigation.
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 R & M Dress,
Inc., also known as Old Friends Clothing Company, Lebanon,
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 R & M Dress, Inc., also known as Old Friends
Clothing Company, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, engaged in employment
related to the production of women's sportswear, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
October 26, 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 24th day of May, 2002.


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