Employment and Training Administration

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

TA-W-42,174

STERLING FIBERS, INC.
PACE, FLORIDA

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.
Workers at the subject firm were denied eligibility to apply
for NAFTA Transitional Adjustment on September 17, 2002 (NAFTA-
4664).
The current investigation was initiated on September 23, 2002
in response to a petition instituted by the Department of Labor on
September 17, 2002, on behalf of workers at Sterling Fibers, Inc.,
Pace, Florida. The workers produce acrylic fiber, a textile product
used in spinning yarn.


The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined during fiscal 2002
compared with fiscal 2001.
The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of major
customers of the subject firm concerning their purchases of
acrylic fiber used in textiles in 2000 and 2001. The survey
revealed that respondents increased imports 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 acrylic fiber produced at Sterling
Fibers, Inc., Pace, Florida 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 Sterling Fibers, Inc., Pace, Florida, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after September 17, 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 31st day of October 2002.
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance