DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,687

LACE LASTICS INC.
OXFORD, NORTH CAROLINA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility To Apply For
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 September 27, 2004, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Lace Lastics
Inc., Oxford, North Carolina. The workers produced lace.
The investigation revealed sales decreased in January-June
2004 compared to the same period in 2003. Layoffs occurred in
August 2004.
The Department conducted a survey of the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of lace in 2002, 2003, and
January-August 2004. The survey revealed that a respondent, which
accounted for a significant percentage of the subject firm's
decline in sales, increased its purchases of lace from foreign
firms while decreasing its purchases of lace from the subject firm
in January-August 2004 compared to the same period in 2003.
In accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26 USC
2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of
eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
In addition, in accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of
1974 (26 USC 2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein
presents the results of its investigation regarding certification
of eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment
assistance (ATAA) for older workers.
The group eligibility criteria for the ATAA program

that the Department must consider under Section 246 of the

Trade Act are:

1. Whether a significant number of workers in the
workers' firm are 50 years of age or older.

2. Whether the workers in the workers' firm possess skills
that are not easily transferable.

3. The competitive conditions within the workers' industry
(i.e., conditions within the industry are adverse).

The Department has determined that criterion 2 has not
been met.
The investigation revealed workers in the workers' firm
possess skills that are easily transferrable.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with lace produced at Lace Lastics
Inc., Oxford, North Carolina 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 of Lace Lastics Inc., Oxford, North Carolina
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after September 24, 2003 through two years from the date
of certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assis-
tance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."
I further determine that all workers of Lace Lastics Inc.,
Oxford, North Carolina are denied eligibility to apply for
alternative trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the
Trade Act of 1974.

Signed in Washington, D. C. this 28th day of October, 2004.


/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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