DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40,977

LA LA IMPORTS, L.P.
EL PASO, TEXAS

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 11, 2002, and filed
by the company on behalf of the workers at La La imports, L.P., El
Paso, Texas. The workers at the subject firm produced painted
baskets. The remaining workers are engaged in administrative and
import functions.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment declined at the subject firm during the relevant period.
The subject firm increased their imports of painted baskets
absolutely in the first quarter of 2002.





Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with painted baskets, contributed
importantly to the to the total or partial separation of workers at
La La imports, L.P., El Paso, Texas. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of La La imports, L.P., El Paso, Texas, engaged
in employment related to the production of painted baskets who
become totally or partially separated from employment on or
after January 4, 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 21st day of June, 2002.



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