DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-41,679

NEWSOUTH APPAREL, LLC
BREWTON, ALABAMA

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 June 17, 2002 and filed on behalf of workers at
NewSouth Apparel, LLC, Brewton, Alabama. The workers primarily
produced ladies' blouses, sweatshirts and pajamas.
The investigation revealed that ladies' blouses, sweatshirts
and pajamas produced by NewSouth Apparel, LLC for garment
manufacturers are marketed through normal retail channels. Thus,
the articles manufactured by the subject firm have been impacted
importantly by the high penetration of imports into this market.
Subject plant sales and employment declined during the
relevant period.
U.S. imports of women's and girls' blouses and shirts
increased absolutely in 2001, compared to 2000. In 2000, the ratio
of imports to U.S. shipments was more than 398%.
U.S. imports of women's and girls' slacks and shorts increased
absolutely in 2001, compared to 2000.
U.S. imports of pajama and other nightwear increased
absolutely in 2001, compared to 2000. In 2000, the ratio of imports
to U.S. shipments was more than 455%.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with ladies' blouses, sweatshirts and
pajamas produced at NewSouth Apparel, LLC, Brewton, Alabama
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 NewSouth Apparel, LLC, Brewton, Alabama who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after June 7, 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 20th day of August, 2002

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance