Former slaves unite & launch clothing line

[Judi Lynn]

Former slaves unite & launch clothing line
May 25, 2010 (Argentina)

In order to raise awareness about exploitation and encourage jobs in the apparel sector, textile co-operatives, established by former slaves from Argentina and Thailand, will soon be introducing a new garment brand on June 4.

Thousands of t-shirts bearing variety of motifs, under the trademark, ‘No Chains’, by La Alameda from Argentina and Dignity Returns from Thailand, will be introduced in the market and will also be simultaneously launched in Buenos Aires and Bangkok. The plan is to manufacture more clothing in collaboration with other co-operatives.

Argentina’s worst financial downturn in 2001 saw La Alameda in the form of a community kitchen, serving many unregistered Bolivian labourers, who had then, run away from the apparel sector sweatshops, which had suddenly risen in Buenos Aires.

Incessant complaints about the apathetic working conditions, in addition to a major accident at one of the sweatshops, which registered the death of six people, of which five were children, finally caught the people’s eye on slavery. In Argentina especially, the unregistered settlers were found to be working as slaves in the apparel sector.

As per complaints lodged in the court, by former labour force, renowned apparel brands such as Puma, Bensimon, Lecoq, Kosiuko and Soho were found to be the purchasers of goods produced in these underground firms. Although, the justice authorities have yet to decide upon the final punishment for those responsible, they have already seized the machines from the workshops.

More:
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/apparel-news/newsdetails.aspx?News_id=86501