DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40,848

WATEREE TEXTILE CORPORATION
LUGOFF, SOUTH CAROLINA

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 eligi-
bility 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 February 25, 2002, in
response to a petition filed by the company official on behalf of
workers at Wateree Textile Corporation, Lugoff, South Carolina.
The workers were engaged in employment related to the production of
synthetic fabrics.
The investigation revealed that sales and production at the
subject firm decreased absolutely during the relevant period. The
subject firm is in the final stages of a permanent closure.


The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm=s major declining customers regarding their purchases of
synthetic fabrics. The survey revealed that major customers
increased their purchases of imported synthetic fabrics while
curtailing purchases from the subject firm.
A petition for NAFTA-Transitional Adjustment Assistance has
been filed on behalf of workers at the subject firm (NAFTA-5757).
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-
gation, I conclude that increases in imports of products like or
directly competitive with those produced at Wateree Textile
Corporation, Lugoff, South Carolina, 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 Wateree Textile Corporation, Lugoff, South
Carolina, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after January 10, 2001, 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 18th day of March, 2002.


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