Workers Uniting celebrates Bangladesh denim workers’ victory
23 June 2009
Global Union Played Key
Role in Securing Jobs, Workers’ Rights from World’s Third-Largest
Retailer
Workers Uniting, the world’s first global union that is a
partnership between Unite the union from the UK and Ireland and the
United Steelworkers, from the United States, Canada and the
Caribbean is today celebrating the major victory of workers at the
R.L. Denim factory in Bangladesh.
“The victory for R.L. Denim workers in Bangladesh - hundreds of
young women – is perhaps the biggest victory for workers in the
developing world to date,” said Leo W. Gerard, International
President of the United Steelworkers (USW.)
“The workers will no longer be beaten at work. They will be paid
for overtime and maternity leave. They have toilet paper and other
basic needs,” Gerard said. “This is a big win in the fight against
the global race to the bottom - not only for the workers in
Bangladesh, but for Workers Uniting as we take on battles from a
global perspective.”
In May, Metro Group, the world’s third-largest retailer,
announced that after years of profiting from exploitation at the
Bangladesh factory, the company was pulling out its work just when
the workers were on the verge of winning their legal right to a
democratic voice in the workplace.
More than 650 mostly young women workers sew clothing for Metro
Group and their Macro Cash & Carry stores at the factory.
At that time, Workers Uniting was joined by the German union
Verdi in signing an unprecedented Joint International Solidarity
Statement, in support of the workers. The unions represent some 5.5
million workers.
“Our solidarity sent a clear message that our unions are not
only dedicated to protecting and growing the rights of our own
members, but that we will fight to protect the rights of workers
across the developing world,” said Derek Simpson, Unite Joint
General Secretary.
“Our efforts helped hold a corporate exploiter accountable, and
showed what’s possible when workers around the world stand
together,” said Tony Woodley, Unite Joint General Secretary.
According to the National Labour Committee (NLC), whose work
uncovered the abuses at the R.L. Denim factory, Metro Group has
admitted to its failure to monitor and protect its workers. The
company said in a statement released late last week that it
will:
- Immediately return all of its orders to the R.L. Denim factory
in Bangladesh.
- Institute significant changes throughout its worldwide supply
chain to guarantee that human, women's and worker rights standards
are finally respected.
- Open its factory to the respected Bangladesh Centre for Workers
Solidarity and National Garment Workers Federation to push for
continued improvements.
The National Labour Committee said in a statement to supporters
that abusive supervisors were fired and pay was corrected. The
factory also now has child and health care centres, purified
drinking water, a dining area, toilet paper and soap.
“The R.L. Denim workers dared to struggle for their rights, and
one major part of the victory was your international solidarity,”
the NLC statement said.
Workers Uniting is the international union created by Unite, the
biggest union in the UK and Ireland, and the United Steelworkers,
North America’s largest industrial union.
The two unions have more than three million active and retired
workers from the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Great
Britain and the Republic of Ireland who work in virtually every
sector of the global economy, including manufacturing, service,
mining and transportation.
- Ends -
Saba Mozakka, Unite, 020 7420 8916 or 07768 693 953, saba.mozakka@unitetheunion.org
Connie Mabin, USW, 412-562-2616, cmabin@usw.org
- Notes to Editors -
For more information about the global union, visit www.workersuniting.org. For
more information about the National Labour Committee, visit
www.nlcnet.org
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