March 5, 2013

Apparel brands support repeal of short-term contract law in Peru

Today six international apparel companies sent an open letter to the President of Peru supporting a repeal of three articles of a decades-old law allowing employers in the garment and textile export sector to hire workers on consecutive short-term employment contracts, thereby denying them job security, seniority rights and other benefits, access to health and pension coverage, and their right to organize and bargain collectively.

New Balance, Nike, PVH Corp (owner of the Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein brands), VF Corporation (owner of Wrangler, Lee’s, North Face, Nautica and Timberland brands), 47 Brand, and Life Is Good signed a joint letter urging the Peruvian Government “to demonstrate its strong support for social inclusion and decent working conditions by supporting the repeal of the labor provisions of DL 22342.”

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Kingsland workers win historic settlement from Walmart, H&M suppliers

After almost two months of maintaining a 24-hour vigil outside the gates of the now-closed Kingsland garment factory in Cambodia, and a brief hunger strike, 156 workers are celebrating a victory as Wal-Mart and H&M suppliers agree to pay outstanding severance and back pay owing to the workers. The workers have won a settlement of approximately $200,000 based on contributions from two companies and the sale of the factory’s machinery, which the owner was unable to take out of the factory due to the workers’ perseverance. The deal is being called “historic” by the Cambodia Legal Education Centre, which was supporting the workers throughout their struggle.
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Maquila Solidarity Network: www.maquilasolidarity.org The Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) is a labour and women's rights organization that supports the efforts of workers in global supply chains to win improved wages and working conditions and a better quality of life. We welcome your donations.