Phal Savin of Cambodia spent many years sewing clothing for Wal-Mart. A mother of five, she was recently fired for trying to form a union.
She is now vice president of the Coalition of Cambodia Apparel Workers Democratic Union (CCAWDU).
Didier Leiton of Costa Rica worked for 17 years on pineapple and banana plantations and is now an organizer with the Union of Agricultural and Plantation Workers. He has been “blacklisted” by the plantations for his activities with the union.
Both spoke at Goshen College Sunday evening against sweatshops, with their target being large department stores.
Leiton explained to the audience of approximately 60 people that he worked in the plantations for 15 hours a day, without even making minimum wage.
“Pineapples are being produced under cruel conditions, not even acceptable for animals,” Leiton said through a translator.
Savin spent years working in garment factories in Cambodia as a seamstress, and when her working conditions became too unbearable, she decided to form a union, one that is not under control by political parties or government.
“We would work eight hour days, with another two to four hours of overtime that we wouldn’t get paid for,” she said through a translator.
Both took recent visits to the Goshen Wal-Mart to see how the products they made are priced compared to their wages, and their initial thoughts were that while the store was clean with a huge market, the cost of products far exceeds their income. Savin even recognized specific items of clothing she had made herself.
“The price of a shirt is $8, but I earn only $1,” Savin said.
While both said that auditors — people who are hired to make sure no sweatshops are taking place — help the situation, those people do not meet directly with the workers so they do not know how dire the working conditions are.
“Unions are the only way to represent workers so they can have a better quality of life,” Leiton said.
Trina Tocco, program coordinator for the International Labor Rights Forum, said there are several things that people in the United States can do to show support of people facing harsh working conditions.
She suggested communicating directly with factories and writing letters and post cards to the major department stores in question.
“We aren’t saying never go to places like Wal-Mart, just shop with a conscience,” Tocco said.
Local News
Sweatshop laborers back unions
- Local News
-
-
Jefferson Elementary students spend the day at Camp Amigo
Pontoon rides, nature hikes, wagon rides to the marsh, parachute games, fishing, learning about animal signs, a petting zoo — these activities and more were part of the recipe for a fun-filled day at Camp Amigo / Amigo Centre for the 450 kindergarten through third-grade students from Jefferson Elementary School May 8.
-
Board approves housing grant agreement
NAPPANEE — Several agreements related to a housing grant the city received were approved at Monday’s Board of Public Works meeting.
-
John Payne named new Wakarusa principal
NAPPANEE — With just days remaining until the close of the 2012-13 school year, the students and staff of Wakarusa Elementary can enjoy their summer break with the assurance that once the new school year begins this fall, there will be new leadership at the helm.
-
Cake Cottage opens at Concord Mall
A 4-by-8 foot cake to feed a group of Boy Scouts is a big cake. It is just one of many that Rhonda Potucek has created during the many years she has been baking. Potucek has opened Rhonda’s Cake Cottage in Concord Mall.
-
EDUCATION: 84 percent pass third-grade IREAD-3 exam
INDIANAPOLIS — Sixteen percent of Indiana third graders failed to pass a high-stakes reading proficiency test that could determine whether they can move on to the fourth grade. Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett announced the final results of the IREAD-3 test at a press conference Tuesday.
-
Community members take time to honor fallen officers
More than 100 people attended an annual Law Enforcement Memorial service Tuesday evening at the Goshen Police and Courts building. The event is held each year to remember officers who have been lost in the line of service and to honor those who currently serve.
-
Goshen City Council paves way for sidewalk ordinance
Bringing a close to several months of discussions and delays, the Goshen City Council on Tuesday approved a controversial sidewalk ordinance prohibiting people from blocking pedestrian traffic within the city limits. The final vote was unanimous.
-
Woman hurt trying to douse Dunlap house fire
A Concord Township woman was injured when she tried to extinguish a fire at her home Tuesday.
-
Syracuse teen scores in top 3 percent in state
Andy Dixon, 13, Syracuse, recently received an academic achievement award from Ball State University and the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University.
-
911 Director: Upgrades needed with county 911 center taking over Nappanee
GOSHEN — The Elkhart County 911 Center has received preliminary approval of $1.3 million in upgrades in connection with recent county plans to close down and absorb the Nappanee 911 Center.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Defense Rests in John Edwards Trial
GM Says It Will Stop Paying for Ads on Facebook
911 Call: Confusion at Home Where Mom Shot Kids
Jury Convicts Steve Powell of Voyeurism Charges
Skechers to Pay $40 Million for Bogus Claims
Coffee May Be Key to Living Longer
Police to Groom of Slain Bride: Turn Yourself In
Laurie Fine: My Life Has Been Destroyed
FTC: Skechers Deceived Consumers With Shoe Ads
FBI Confirms Leak Probe on Al-Qaida Plot
Romney Calls Obama a 'Disappointment'
Honda Unveils New Robotics-powered Scooter
NJ Gov., Mayor Channel Seinfeld in Video Parody
Blood Drive for Woman With Flesh-Eating Disease
AG Race Tops Oregon Primary Interest
Obama Welcomes Beckham, Galaxy to White House
Raw Video: Mladic's Genocide Trial Under Way
Court Records Detail Zimmerman Injuries
Local Community Prepares for G8 Summit
New Guidelines for US Nuclear Plants
