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WELCOME TO THE ARCHIVE (1994-2014) OF THE MAQUILA SOLIDARITY NETWORK. For current information on our ongoing work on the living wage, women's labour rights, freedom of association, corporate accountability and Bangladesh fire and safety, please visit our new website, launched in October, 2015: www.maquilasolidarity.org

Hanesbrands

September 5, 2012

FLA investigation ignores root causes of workplace injuries

In February 2011, the Honduran Women's Collective (CODEMUH) filed a complaint with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) alleging that 57 workers at Honduran factories owned by Canadian t-shirt manufacturer Gildan Activewear had suffered debilitating injures due to long work shifts, the intense pace of production and high production targets.

January 23, 2012

Union leaders reinstated in Haiti

Shortly after a new union was formed last September in Haiti's growing apparel manufacturing sector, six of the seven workers who serve on the union's executive committee were fired or forced to resign by the factories where they worked. But we're pleased to report that thanks to concerted efforts by Haitian and international labour rights groups, all but one of the workers have now been reinstated and are back at work.

November 16, 2011

Haiti’s showdown on union rights

The apparel industry was widely hailed in some circles as a vital economic opportunity for Haiti, particularly after the devastating earthquake which hit the country in January 2010. Although the creation of approximately 26,000 jobs in the country is certainly welcome, the full benefits of those jobs will only be felt if the workers have access to their legal rights, including the right to form unions and bargain collectively, and are paid a living wage. 

May 31, 2007

Maquila Solidarity Update Vol. 12.1 (June 2007)

In this issue:

New corporate accountability initiatives in Canada; MFA Forum meets in Toronto; Mexico's 'Espacio'; Life after the maquila

Download Update Vol. 12.1 here

March 22, 2007

Hanesbrands Campaign 2006-2007

In October 2006, MSN was contacted by our colleagues at SEDEPAC, a member of the Espacio based in the state of Coahuila, Mexico, concerning the imminent closure of a Hanesbrands factory in the city of Monclova. MSN and SEDEPAC worked to ensure that workers received full severance and health benefits, and are tracking the company’s plans for other factories in Mexico.

March 29, 2007

MSN follow-up with Hanesbrands

"In your November 28 response to us, you recognized such responsibility and described your intention 'to do everything (…) to help replace the jobs that are lost.' Our understanding is that approximately 1,700 workers have been left jobless with the closing of your Monclova International facility. Three months later, following on the spirit of your letter, we would ask that you provide us an update on what assistance your company has provided to its former workers."

November 30, 2006

Monclova International: Responsible Closure – the bottom line

What workers and local and international labour rights groups expect from Hanesbrands in the closure of Monclova International in Coahuila, Mexico.

November 29, 2006

MSN response to Hanesbrands

“Obviously we did not find your letter a helpful response to our attempt to initiate a dialogue and process for ‘a responsible transition.’ In fact, quite the opposite: I was shocked at your response. Most telling is your company’s assertion that the laid-off workers should be expected to pay for their own retraining and job searches ‘while supporting their families in the transition’ out of the severance pay they receive from your company. This statement alone will put to rest any illusions that ethical investors, buyers and consumers might have that Hanesbrands is a socially responsible company.”

November 28, 2006

Hanesbrands letter to MSN

“…closing a facility is always difficult but we feel that we are doing the things necessary to make the transition from employment with us to others as smooth as possible.”

November 21, 2006

MSN letter to Hanesbrands

“The Monclova International closure is imminent. Workers are almost daily being let go with what we understand are illegal and inadequate compensation packages, many are being pressured to sign statements that are also illegal, and there seems to be no serious commitment on the part of Hanesbrands to the future health and well being of either your workers or the community.”