DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,243

5 B'S INC.
BARNESVILLE, OHIO

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its 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 Trade Adjustment
Assistance, the group eligibility requirements in either paragraph
(a)(2)(A) or (a)(2)(B) of Section 222 of the Trade Act must be met.
It is determined in this case that the requirements of (a)(2)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on July 14, 2004 in response
to a petition filed by the company on behalf of workers at 5 B's
Inc., Barnesville, Ohio. The workers were engaged in employment
related to the production of basket liners, napkins and
tablecloths.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the major customer of the
subject firm regarding their purchases of basket liners, napkins
and tablecloths during 2002, 2003 and January through July 2004
over the corresponding 2003 period. The survey revealed that the
customer increased their reliance on imported basket liners,
napkins and tablecloths during the relevant period.
The petitioner also requested consideration for Alternative
Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA).
In order to issue a certification of eligibility to apply for
ATAA for older workers, the group eligibility requirements of
Section 246(a)(3)(A)(ii) of the Trade Act must be met. The
Department has determined in this case that the requirements have
been met.
A significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or over
and possess skills that are not easily transferable. Competitive
conditions within the industry are adverse.


Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of basket
liners, napkins and tablecloths produced by 5 B's Inc.,
Barnesville, Ohio, contributed importantly to the total or partial
separation of workers and to the decline in sales or production at
that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the
Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers at 5 B's Inc., Barnesville, Ohio, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
June 15, 2003 through two years from the date of certification
are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under Section
223, and alternative trade adjustment assistance under Section
246 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C., this 13th day of August, 2004.
/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance