DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-41,954

LEATHER CENTER
CARROLLTON, 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 in response to a petition
received on August 12, 2002, and filed by the International Union
of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers-
Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO on behalf of workers at
Leather Center, Carrollton, Texas. The workers were engaged in the
production of leather furniture.


The investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm declined absolutely during the period of January
through April 2002, when compared to the same period in 2001.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding purchases of imports of
leather furniture in 2000, 2001, and in the months of January
through May in 2000 and 2001. The survey revealed that customers
increased import purchases of leather furniture relative to
purchases from the subject firm.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced at Leather Center,
Carrollton, Texas, 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 Leather Center, Carrolton, Texas, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
July 29, 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 23rd day of October, 2002.



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