DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40, 902

FORECASTER OF BOSTON
FORMALLY KNOWN AS MADEIRA TWIN FASHIONS
NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS

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 on March 4, 2002 and filed
by Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees
(UNITE!), Local 361, on behalf of workers at Forecaster of
Boston, formerly known as Madeira Twin Fashions, New Bedford,
Massachusetts. The workers produced ladies outerwear such as
coats and jackets.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined at the subject plant during the relevant
periods. The subject firm closed in December 2001.
The company increased their imports of ladies coats and
jackets 2000 and 2001 from its foreign plant reducing production
at its New Bedford plant. The foreign facility's production of
ladies coats and jackets will significantly impact the total
company sales and production of ladies outerwear such as coats
and jackets within the United States.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of company imports of
articles like or directly competitive with ladies coats and
jackets produced at Forecaster of Boston, formerly known as
Madeira Twin Fashions, New Bedford, Massachusetts, contributed
importantly to the decline in sales or production and to the
total or partial separation of workers of the subject firm. In
accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:
"All workers of Forecaster of Boston, formally known as
Madeira Twin Fashions, New Bedford, Massachusetts who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
July 6, 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 in Washington, D. C. this 23rd day of May 2002.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
__________________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance