Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN)
Campaign Update and Action Alert:

DoAll Workers Win Reinstatement

Continuing Support Needed

On Tuesday, February 22, MSN Coordinator Lynda Yanz met with employees of the DoAll garment factory in El Salvador who had been fired for organizing a union to eliminate sweatshop abuses at their workplace. The workers said that their recent victory, winning the reinstatement of 31 fired workers with full back pay, would not have been possible without international solidarity. They expressed their thanks for the support they received from organizations and individuals in Canada.

On December 12, the US apparel manufacturer, Liz Claiborne, responded to hundreds of letters and the threat of holiday store leafleting by agreeing to call upon its Salvadoran contractor, DoAll, to reinstate the fired union members and accept independent monitoring of labour practices at the factory.

On February 10, the workers were reinstated. DoAll has also agreed not to discriminate against union supporters, and to accept independent monitoring of factory conditions and labour practices. In March, the El Salvador Independent Monitoring Group (GMIES) will begin a six-month monitoring project in the factory.

Despite this important victory, DoAll workers continue to need our support. Workers report that conditions have not improved at the factory. They complain that they are required to work 12 hours a day, five days a week, and nine hours on Saturdays. They fear that attempts will be made to isolate them from other workers. Continuing pressure is needed to ensure that the company keeps its promise of no reprisals or discrimination against the reinstated workers.

Thanks to all of you who responded to our Urgent Action Alert by writing letters to Liz Claiborne and DoAll. Please help to solidify this important victory by writing to DoAll with the following message:

Please write:

Jun Man Kin,
Fabrica DoAll
Fax: 011-503-220-4656

Sample Letter (Please write your own, and send MSN a copy, fax: 416-532-7688)

Jun Man Kin
DoAll Enterprises
Fax: 011-503-220-4656

Dear Mr. Kin,

I am writing to express my/our appreciation for your company's decision to reinstate workers who were fired for organizing a union at one of your factories, and for your promise of no reprisals or discrimination against those workers.

I/We would urge your company to carry through on this commitment by ensuring that the reinstated workers are treated fairly and do not suffer reprisals or discrimination because of their involvement in or support for their union. I/We and other Canadians will be watching closely to see that your promise of no reprisals or discrimination is fulfilled.

I/We would also like to commend your company for allowing the El Salvador Independent Monitoring Group (GMIES) to carry out monitoring of working conditions and labour practices at you factory to ensure that those conditions and practices are in compliance with the Liz Claiborne code of conduct and Salvadoran law.

In the long-run, the acceptance of independent monitoring will prove to be a wise business decision, since North American companies will be able to source from your company with confidence that you are respecting international labour standards and local laws.

Thank you again for the positive first step you have taken. We look forward to receiving more positive news about further steps your company will be taking to ensure that the rights of all your employees are respected, and that they enjoy fair wages and decent working conditions.

Yours truly,

Maquila Solidarity Network/Ethical Trading Action Group
Popular Education Research Group
606 Shaw Street
Toronto Ontario M6G 3L6
CANADA
416-532-8584 (phone)
416-532-7688 (fax)
perg@web.net


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