DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,981

CERF BROTHERS BAG CO.
NEW LONDON, MISSOURI

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, 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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on November 12, 2004, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Cerf Brothers
Bag Co., New London, Missouri. The workers at the subject firm
produce duffle bags, ponchos, backpacks, and tarps; they are not
separately identifiable by product line.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject firm
declined from 2003 to January through November 2004.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm shifted some
production of its duffle bags, ponchos, backpacks, and tarps
product line from New London, Missouri to China and Vietnam.
Moreover, the investigation revealed that company imports of
duffle bags, ponchos, backpacks, and tarps have increased during
the relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that there was a shift in production
from the subject firm to China and Vietnam of articles that are
like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject
firm, and there has been or is likely to be an increase in imports
of like or directly competitive articles. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Cerf Brother Bag Co., New London, Missouri who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after November 11, 2003 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 29th day of November 2004.


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