DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40,764

FIT RITE HEADWEAR, INC.
WILKES BARRE, 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 04, 2002, and filed by the company official on
behalf of workers at Fit Rite Headwear, Inc., Wilkes Barre,
Pennsylvania. The workers produce sewn safety products.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm declined absolutely from 2000 to
2001. The subject firm ceased production in May of 2001.
A Department of Labor survey of the subject firm's major
customers revealed that from 2000 to 2001, the subject firm
customers increased import purchases of sewn safety products while
decreasing purchases from the subject firm.
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 Fit Rite
Headwear, Inc., Wilkes Barre, 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 Fit Rite Headwear, Inc., Wilkes Barre,
Pennsylvania engaged in employment related to the production
of sewn safety products, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after October 30, 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 21st day of June, 2002.



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