DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-42,184

GRAPHIC SPORTSWEAR UNLIMITED
AUSTIN, 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 that all of the requirements
have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on September 30, 2002, and filed by a company official
on behalf of workers at Graphic Sportswear Unlimited, Austin,
Texas. Workers produced tee shirts, sweatshirts and polo shirts
for men, women and children.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment all decreased in the relevant period.
Aggregate United States imports of women's and girls'
blouses and shirts increased significantly for the twelve-month
period ending March 2002 over the corresponding twelve-month
period ending March 2001. During the twelve-month period ending
March 2001, the U.S. import penetration ratio was greater than
400 percent.
The ratio of U.S. imports to domestic shipments of men's and
boys' shirts increased by over 200 percent in January-March of
2002 over the corresponding period of 2001. In the first quarter
of 2002, the import penetration ratio for this category was over
700 percent.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with tee shirts, pants and dresses
produced at Graphic Sportswear Unlimited, Austin, 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 Graphic Sportswear Unlimited, Austin, Texas,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after September 10, 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 15th day of November 2002

/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance