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Part of MSN's work in Freedom of Association has focused on engaging international brands. Our strategy has been to leverage brand pressure on suppliers to achieve greater respect and a more positive climate for freedom of association in their Mexican supply chains.
To this end MSN has developed a Freedom of Association in Mexico Tool Kit, which sets out how brands can strengthen their FOA policies, auditing procedures and corrective action plans, as well as communication with vendors, suppliers and licensees on those policies and expectations.
An unprecedented agreement has been struck between Russell Athletic and the union representing 1,200 unjustly laid off workers at its former Jerzees de Honduras (JDH) factory. The company has agreed to open a new facility in the area, re-hire and provide substantial economic assistance to the former JDH workers, institute a joint union-management training program on freedom of association and commit to a position of neutrality with respect to unionization, which will open the door for union representation at all Fruit of the Loom facilities in Hondura.
A high-level International Labour Organization (ILO) Mission to the Philippines wrapped up on September 29, feeding hopes that international attention will help stem the tide of violence and intimidation that has been unleashed on Filipino trade union organizers and human rights advocates. The ILO Mission was charged with investigating the killings of 92 union leaders and activists since 2001.
Striking workers met by batons
The Government of the Philippines has finally agreed to allow a High-Level ILO Mission to visit the country and investigate extrajudicial killings of labour rights advocates.
Trade unions in the Philippines have been trying for two years to initiate an international investigation but had been blocked by government and employer delegations.
The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation (ITGLWF) is calling on brands and retailers to encourage or require their suppliers to sign a Right to Unionize Guarantee.
A growing number of US apparel companies are expressing their concern that there is a pattern of harassment and violence against workers, labour leaders and human rights promoters in the Philippines. At MSN's request, 8 major US apparel brands have sent a joint letter to HE Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Philippines, expressing their concern.
Brand Campaigns & Worker Organizing profiles three successful international campaigns that helped defend workers' right to organize. Available in English and Spanish, the 82-page booklet is an invaluable educational resource for anti-sweatshop activists, labour and human rights advocates, trade unionists, researchers, educators and anyone concerned about the conditions under which their clothes are made. Also available in Spanish. PDF order form
Lance Compa and American Center for International Labor Solidarity, 2003
This report looks at Mexico's century-long fight for independent, democratic trade unions and social justice. Compa suggests that with an increasingly democratic government, well-enforced labour laws, and strong trade unions, Mexico has the potential to be a leader on worker rights standards. As the violations documented in this report make clear, however, Mexico still falls short of international worker rights standards.
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