US Trade Associations Putting Profits before Human Rights in Honduras

[Judi Lynn]

Source: International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation

US Trade Associations Putting Profits before Human Rights in Honduras
For immediate release: July 14, 2009

The Global Union representing workers in the apparel and footwear sectors has dubbed as ‘disgusting’ a letter from leading US trade associations to President Obama calling for business as usual with Honduras following last week’s coup which was supported by key elements of the country’s business community.

Seven trade groups, including the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the Emergency Committee for American Trade, the National Council of Textile Organizations, the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel and the US Chamber of Commerce, wrote to President Obama on July 11 urging him to secure the US’s economic relationship with Honduras.

Says Neil Kearney, General Secretary of the Brussels-based International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation: “This approach, which overlooks democracy, civil liberties and the rule of law, is an affront to democracy and a negation of American values.

“Since the coup there has been growing concern at the threat to trade union and popular leaders, and it appears there is a list of leaders who are threatened with detention and whose personal safety is at risk. There have been reports that on Saturday evening, two leaders of the popular opposition to the coup, Roger Ivan Bados and Ramon Garcia, were murdered in two separate incidents by unidentified gunmen.

Read more: http://www.itglwf.org/DisplayDocument.aspx?idarticle=15801&langue=2

[Downwinder]

1. Is there a list of brand names covered by these groups? n/t

[Judi Lynn]

2. Here are a few names from various articles:

~snip~
In Honduras, the CAFTA lobby was led in part by two sons of the reputed father of the Honduran maquila, Juan Canahuati, who owns the largest Honduran textile and apparel conglomerate, Grupo Lovable, a main supplier to U.S. apparel giants Vanity Fair and Russell Corporation.
https://nacla.org/node/5937

American Apparel produces "Fruit of the Loom" in Honduras.
http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturing/apparel-other-finished-products-made/4397871-1.html

This article adds Sarah Lee, and Hanes:
http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturing/apparel-other-finished-products-made/4399894-1.html

~snip~
There lies one reason no doubt why the tiny Caribbean country with a 6.5 million population has become the third largest apparel exporter to the US after China and Mexico, in the first three months of 2003. The island is host to a number of global apparel brands such as Fruit of the Loom, Tommy Hilfiger, Sara Lee, Bally, Osh Kosh B'Gosh, Jerzees, Russell and Gap.

~snip~
Minimum salaries in Honduras stand at an internationally competitive level. At US$4.5 per day (August 2002), they are lower than in the Dominican Republic (US$5.3) and El Salvador (US$4.8). These pay levels are, however, higher than in neighbouring countries Guatemala (US$3.8) and Nicaragua (US$2.8).
For the future, labour cost competition is expected in the region from poorer Haiti.
http://www.ca-bc.com/zip_internacional/news/news1.html

~snip~
Earlier, the director the National Labor Committee, a U.S.-based workers rights group, issued a report alleging poor conditions at the factory. Charles Kernaghan said workers are subjected to body searches, 11- to 12-hour daily shifts and mandatory pregnancy tests. He said they were paid 24 cents for each US$50 Sean John sweat shirt they sew. Combs has promised to investigate the allegations.

A 19-year-old Honduran apparel worker, Lydda Eli Gonzalez, said the factory's managers yelled and cursed at workers, forced them to work unpaid overtime and fired employees for being pregnant, reports The New York Times (Oct. 28, 2003). She said that when workers sought to unionize last summer to improve conditions, she and 14 other outspoken union supporters were suddenly fired. Steve Hawkins, owner of the factory, Southeast Textiles S.A., called the charges lies and said that the factory strictly complied with the law and maintained good conditions;

Jeff Tweedy, executive V.P. of Sean John, the New York-based apparel company run by Mr. Combs, who performs as P. Diddy, said: "We have absolutely no knowledge of this situation. However, we take these matters very seriously, and we will have our director of compliance look into the matter immediately." Sean John is one of the factory's biggest customers. The plant, in Choloma, Honduras, employs 380 workers who produce long-sleeved T-shirts with "SJ" or "Sean John" emblazoned on them;

Jeff Tweedy, executive V.P. of Sean John, the New York-based apparel company run by Mr. Combs, who performs as P. Diddy, said: "We have absolutely no knowledge of this situation. However, we take these matters very seriously, and we will have our director of compliance look into the matter immediately." Sean John is one of the factory's biggest customers. The plant, in Choloma, Honduras, employs 380 workers who produce long-sleeved T-shirts with "SJ" or "Sean John" emblazoned on them;

Ms. Gonzalez said she traveled to New York from Honduras to ask Mr. Combs to pressure the factory's owner to treat the workers better. Her trip was sponsored by the National Labor Committee, a New York-based group that embarrassed the Gap, Kathie Lee Gifford and other major fashion names in exposing sweatshop conditions at factories they used.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CLOTHING+FACTORY+FLAP-a0110240375

~snip~
Honduras hosts some of America's most successful apparel manufacturers. They produce brand-name items in fashion wear, lingerie, sports wear and casual wear. The apparel industry has tremendous potential for expansion due to the combination of inexpensive and experienced labor, a solid managerial base, and quota access to the US. Some of these companies are Fruit of the Loom, Sara Lee Knit Products, Bestform, Oshkosh B'Gosh, Kellwood Industries, Maidenform, Dickies, Hanes, Gap, Outer Banks, Gildan Activewear, Wrangler, and other prestigious manufacturers.
http://www.infomat.com/research/infre0000305.html

I know there must be complete lists somewhere. I'll keep my eyes out for something like that which would be so much more useful.

[Downwinder]

3. Thanks, I looked on their web sites trying to find the Corporate "persons"

responsible for their positions. Just so I can get up close and personal. My pocketbook has gotten very personal. And I don't have to have a picture ID to vote with it.

[Vidar]

4. "It's the American [US] Way."

[dipsydoodle]

5. Pickfords strikes again.

.