04-14785. Elastex, Inc.; a Division of the Elastic Corporation of America, Asheboro, NC; Amended 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 U.S.C. 2273) the Department of Labor issued a Certification of Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance on June 9, 2004, applicable to the workers of Elastex, Inc., a division of the Elastic Corporation of America, Asheboro, North Carolina. The notice will soon be published in the Federal Register.

At the request of the State agency, the Department reviewed the certification for workers of the subject firm. The workers are engaged in the production of knitted narrow elastic bands and gauge.

Information shows that the petitioner, a company official, requested Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) on behalf of the workers of the subject firm but that request was not addressed in the decision document.

Information obtained from the company indicates that a significant number of workers of the subject firm are age 50 or over, workers have skills that are not easily transferable, and conditions within the industry are adverse. Review of this information shows that all eligibility criteria under section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974 (26 U.S.C. 2813), as amended have been met.

Accordingly, the Department is amending the certification to reflect its finding.

The amended notice applicable to TA-W-54,841 is hereby issued as follows:

“All workers of Elastex, Inc., a division of the Elastic Corporation of America, Asheboro, North Carolina who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after June 3, 2003 through June 9, 2006, are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 and are also eligible to apply for Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance under section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974.”

Signed at Washington, DC, this 16th day of June 2004.

Richard Church,

Certifying Officer, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance.