DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40,896

THEM'S FINE APPAREL
BETHEL SPRINGS, TENNESSEE

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 in response to a petition
received on March 4, 2002, filed by a company official on behalf
of workers at Them's Fine Apparel, Bethel Springs, Tennessee. The
workers were engaged in the production of hospital apparel.


The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined to zero on August 6, 2001
when the plant ceased all operations and closed permanently.
The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of the sole
major customer of the subject firm concerning its purchases of
hospital apparel in 1999, 2000, and January-September 2001. The
survey revealed that the respondent reported increasing imports
of hospital apparel, while decreasing purchases from the subject
firm during the relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-
gation, I conclude that increased imports of articles like or
directly competitive with the hospital apparel produced at Them's
Fine Apparel, Bethel Springs, Tennessee 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 Them's Fine Apparel, Bethel Springs,
Tennessee, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after September 6, 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 28th day of May, 2002.



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