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Save Our Apprenticeships: What Working People Are Doing This Week Save Our Apprenticeships: What Working People Are Doing This Week AFL-CIO Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week. Actors' Equity Association:
Mark your calendar - the Pittsburgh Liaison Committee wants to see you on Labor Day! March with Actors' Equity Association at the second largest Labor Day Parade in the country. RSVP in the Member Portal - https://t.co/OnyJV3PfPm pic.twitter.com/2tFpDx3Phg — Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 22, 2019
AFGE:It’s hard to imagine @USDA management finding more ways to demoralize the workers at these two agencies, yet they continue to top themselves at every turn. #1u via @GovExec https://t.co/CD4N22lpdi — AFGE (@AFGENational) August 21, 2019
AFSCME:One of the most important, most difficult jobs in America shouldn’t be one of the least-valued and lowest-paying. That’s why AFSCME home care workers continue to organize and mobilize, fighting for their rights and freedoms at the state and national level. https://t.co/DEfQNHepWG — AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 21, 2019
AFT:150,000+ AFT members in Title I schools use @FirstBook for school supplies, multi-cultural books, books that build social & emotional learning, & take-home books. Some affiliates in low-income communities provide toiletries & care closets for their communities too! https://t.co/0GodNCsHmc — AFT (@AFTunion) August 22, 2019
Air Line Pilots:A must read! Delta Pilot Transforms B-747 Engine into Automotive Sensation; Promotes Charities and the Profession with One-of-a-Kind Creation: https://t.co/5rvYfArHRn pic.twitter.com/eTHPm4KOvZ — ALPA (@WeAreALPA) August 14, 2019
Alliance for Retired Americans:Drug costs are out of control. That’s why we’re rallying for lower drug prices across the country today. Send a message to your member of Congress here: https://t.co/lGIazEu93V #PeopleOverPharma @TheWIAlliance @RepGwenMoore pic.twitter.com/HRLPYVOblj — Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) August 20, 2019
Amalgamated Transit Union:#CATA workers to demand better work conditions at board meeting https://t.co/zjcxDONT3H #1u #publictransit #transit — ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 22, 2019
American Federation of Musicians:Entering the tenth week of a lockout, @bso_musicians performing a concert for drivers during rush hour. #1u#UnionMusicians 🎵✊🏿✊✊🏾🎵 pic.twitter.com/G279MVUT9Z — AFM (@The_AFM) August 21, 2019
American Postal Workers Union:#APWU’s gearing up for a tough national contract arbitration & we need that #APWUnited support. Show your labor solidarity & tell us what you love about the union. Post your own #PostalSlam video & tag us! Let’s show management - WE ARE THE UNION! #1U https://t.co/U9m0QHHPww — APWU National (@APWUnational) August 20, 2019
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:Sign the petition: Demand that our lawmakers pass the PRO Act! Working class and middle class families in the United States deserve income security and should be able to organize their co-workers to demand living wages and healthy working conditions. https://t.co/o1vzbSNFhk pic.twitter.com/0pfD8knoXd — APALA (@APALAnational) August 21, 2019
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Happy 74th Bday, AFA! Flight Attendants around the world - this is where it all began. We’re one of the most organized professions in labor & together we’ve achieved victories for equality, workplace health & safety, & contracts that define our work as aviation's first responders pic.twitter.com/DolL8UX3lY — AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 22, 2019
Boilermakers:Deadline is Aug. 26 (Monday!) ⏳to add a comment to save our apprenticeships. We need everyone’s voice 📢 to tell the DOL to keep us permanently exempt from their proposal. Boilermakers: https://t.co/PgDkKIqy31. pic.twitter.com/Z1vrYFplT2 — Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 22, 2019
Bricklayers:"If we’re going to organize #immigrants, and if we’re going to make immigrants feel like they have ownership in our unions, we can’t be afraid to have the tough conversations with all our members about why it’s so important." -@jboland on organizing immigrants @GoIUPAT Convention — Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) August 14, 2019
California School Employees Association:#csea93 pic.twitter.com/LdB4XGhlV5 — CSEA (@CSEA_Now) August 20, 2019
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:Black Trade Unionists in America stand with our courageous sisters and brothers in #Zimbabwe in their just struggle against the repressive government in #Zimbabwe. A luta continua! https://t.co/7WGaUhOaFh — CBTU (@CBTU72) August 22, 2019
Coalition of Labor Union Women:SEPTEMBER 1: Last day to make sure you're a current Regular CLUW member to be able to vote as a delegate at our upcoming 20th Biennial CLUW Convention. It's also the application deadline for the Gloria T. Johnson scholarship. https://t.co/nZA2LpSLW1 pic.twitter.com/8YzktfQboe — CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 16, 2019
Communications Workers of America:NAFTA 2.0 is a corporate giveaway. The deal falls short of truly protecting working people and will allow big pharmaceutical companies to lock in high drug prices. Call Congress and tell them we need a new NAFTA that puts people over profits: 1-855-973-4213#ReplaceNAFTA pic.twitter.com/JcdlhU9xQP — CWA (@CWAUnion) August 20, 2019
Department for Professional Employees:Even with more college-educated women in the labor force, men still earn higher wages at every education level. This must change, and joining together in union can help. #1u #wagegap https://t.co/wk4HWr3juc — Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 21, 2019
Electrical Workers:With every summer seeming to set new high temperature records, it's becoming more critical to take your health — and that of your coworkers — seriously. https://t.co/fZ75jSNan9 — IBEW (@IBEW) August 21, 2019
Farm Labor Organizing Committee:We are headed down to the International Civil Rights Museum and Center and to the fields of North Carolina to farm labor camps. pic.twitter.com/1L3o9673vq — Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) August 20, 2019
Fire Fighters:IAFF Behavioral Health Specialist @sarahabernes and IAFF Peer Support Master Instructor @b_dreiman will lead a session on suicide and suicide prevention in the fire service on Thurs., 8/22 at #IAFFRedmond19. See what they say about the importance of forming a peer support network pic.twitter.com/IlaSuqqsvQ — IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) August 21, 2019
Heat and Frost Insulators:Check it out! We have updated the Flickr album with the graduation images from Trainer Enhancement last week. Congratulations, Instructors! https://t.co/f6sC5i02SC — Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) August 21, 2019
Ironworkers:Proud to share this video about Iron Workers Local 44 that won an Emmy Award 🏆🏆🏆 for Best Branded Content! Kudos to Dave Baker from Local 44, who did an amazing job narrating the video! #emmys https://t.co/u7TmZTXjXI — Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) August 21, 2019
Jobs With Justice:It appears DoorDash is still running out the door with tips meant for those delivering food for the service. #gigeconomy https://t.co/IRpPYxG6Xa — Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 22, 2019
Labor Council For Latin American Advancement:Gender, race, and ethnicity play significant and decisive roles in the distribution of opportunity, wages and wealth in our society. The different equal pay days that are observed throughout the year are examples of these discriminatory practices. #EqualPay #Trabajadoras pic.twitter.com/wQ8LTLKSYX — LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 22, 2019
Laborers:Calvin began his journey in partnership with @BuildingUpTO leading to earning hands on skills training with LiUNA. Today, a Proud #LiUNA Member, Calvin is building a better future for him and for his family with a career in the trades! Watch his story!https://t.co/7xN5cpSzR7 — LiUNA! Canada (@LiunaCanada) August 19, 2019
Longshoremen:ILA @ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp Night At Yankee Stadium - Fri., Sept 20 @ 7:05 pm. ILA Yankee hat to all ticket holders Info: https://t.co/ymhIrUwXGz pic.twitter.com/MjZwgIK0tk — Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) August 19, 2019
Machinists:BIG NEWS: @Boeing has been found GUILTY of firing workers for their support of the IAM in South Carolina. #BeBetterBoeing https://t.co/n3sFc3f0Fj — Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 19, 2019
Metal Trades:Longtime labor reporter and author Steven Greenhouse joined The Takeaway to discuss how unions are navigating the difficulties of dealing with a president who says he's supportive of labor, but whose policies often run counter to the interests of unions. https://t.co/pq7pGOy6p5 — Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) August 20, 2019
Mine Workers:"We're not politicians, we're coal miners." NBC News story about @mineworkers fight in Congress to preserve retirees' pensions. #TheyEarnedIt #savepensionssavelives #1u https://t.co/qMOuse3FtN — United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 21, 2019
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:“You don’t have to be lonely,” writes NATCA Recurrent Training Rep Richard Kennington in EAA’s AirVenture Today magazine. “All pilots should have a basic understanding of how the ATC system works.” https://t.co/n7ASm65rvQ — NATCA (@NATCA) August 22, 2019
National Association of Letter Carriers:NALC information is now available at your fingertips! Install the "NALC Member App" on your iPhone or Andriod smartphone & get up-to-date information & resources. Simply go to the app store for iPhones or Google Play for Androids -- then search for “NALC Member App.” #1u #NALCapp pic.twitter.com/XBbZiowX5X — Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 22, 2019
National Domestic Workers Alliance:For #BlackWomensEqualPay Day @aliciagarza sat down with @meenaharris to talk about how addressing the wage gap is about more than just numbers. When we do right by Black women, the entire country benefits.https://t.co/fHkUi9soMk — Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 22, 2019
National Nurses United:Ruth Somera was just one of dozens of RNs deployed to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Honor the selfless acts of these #nurses and help the Registered Nurse Response Network celebrate its 14th anniversary by making a contribution today ➡️ https://t.co/xdExuMWT4W #1u pic.twitter.com/t4GMAHAltu — NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 22, 2019
NewsGuild:On #BlackWomensEqualPay day, journalists are fighting for #EqualPay. Find out more about how you can too. https://t.co/XhjAM2scgF @news_guild @mlburney pic.twitter.com/DBRRTFQeXb — NewsGuild (@news_guild) August 22, 2019
NFL Players Association:While opening their minds to new experiences, @throughoureyest is challenging the status quo to show that black men do travel and they know how to give back along the way. STORY: https://t.co/So2NkjEv0e pic.twitter.com/n18DWSCdOl — NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 22, 2019
North America's Building Trades Unions:For 80 years, Registered Apprenticeship Programs have supplied the construction industry with the safest, most highly-skilled workers. We now have ONE WEEK to save these programs. Comment here to make your voice heard: https://t.co/yhRxc81TYZ pic.twitter.com/OERSITyZxd — The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 19, 2019
Office and Professional Employees:Kaiser Permanente workers from California to Maryland are fighting the healthcare giant’s proposal to implement a two-tiered wage system, which pits longtime employees and recent hires against each other, and lowers standards for everyone. #1u pic.twitter.com/FRbbJuZQ8V — OPEIU (@OPEIU) August 21, 2019
Painters and Allied Trades:Help us get us as many members as possible to stand up against IRAPs. During our #DayofAction this Friday, talk to your fellow sisters and brothers about submitting their comments. Submit yours NOW! https://t.co/Qp2hrmdhfc #SaveUSApprenticeships pic.twitter.com/UDhb45TslQ — GoIUPAT✊🏽 (@GoIUPAT) August 21, 2019
Plasterers and Cement Masons:Union apprenticeship programs give “us the same level and quality of training we received in the Military. This is one of the reasons why veterans choose to attend NABTU Registered Apprenticeship Programs.” Submit your comments now! https://t.co/wspFQbfvhO https://t.co/nJ6CEQUgb9 — OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 22, 2019
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:Today at #PASSConv19, National Vice President Carlos Aguirre shared his plans and vision for PASS. He emphasized the importance of the federal workforce and ensuring federal employees are treated fairly. #PASSinPDX pic.twitter.com/6ch2Q72Jzc — PASS (@PASSNational) August 20, 2019
Professional and Technical Engineers:ATTENTION! @RepMcNerney, @RepAnnaEshoo , and @RepJimCosta: Representing more than 20,000 hardworking professionals in the #BayArea, @IFPTE urges you to stand with working people! Support HR 1309 today!! pic.twitter.com/BpNzYIlU2z — IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 20, 2019
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers:The @Local_1102 members who prepare and provide food service on the NYU campus recently ratified a new contract that brings strong wage increase and improved medical coverage! pic.twitter.com/vKbzxgTDla — RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 21, 2019
Roofers and Waterproofers:https://t.co/eWJbsdUnnO The DOL is counting comments, and Roofers’ numbers are not good. We need at least 2,000 more member comments in the next week. EVERY MEMBER SHOULD SIGN THIS PETITION USING THE MEMBER LINK. pic.twitter.com/N1V6HsWPWs — Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 8, 2019
SAG-AFTRA:SBS @mega963fm and @979laraza are leading the #LA Market in LABOR VIOLATIONS! RT to support SBS employees as they fight for fair working conditions. #SOSSBS #SAGAFTRAUNIDOS pic.twitter.com/KkwySkT0IO — SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 16, 2019
School Administrators:500 San Diego Unified School Leaders Join National Labor Union for Stronger Voice --especially DC https://t.co/FNA7EVxZ0u@khefling @BenjaminEW @mstratford — AFSA Leadership (@AFSAUnion) August 19, 2019
Solidarity Center:One 2018 report found gender inequality in business costs countries $160 trillion because of the difference in lifetime earnings btwn men/women. Another in 2015 found advancing female equality in the workplace could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025. https://t.co/0ZKZBQGAMR — Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 22, 2019
Theatrical Stage Employees:Are Hotels' "Green Choice" programs misleading? According to @unitehere, no leading environmental studies recommend skipping housekeeping as an environmental practice. https://t.co/FeIuKhFWLX — IATSE (@IATSE) August 21, 2019
Transport Workers:Thank you @RepEspaillat for leading the downstate New York and upstate New Jersey delegations calling on @AmericanAir & President Doug Parker to keep good, blue-collar jobs in the U.S. https://t.co/9Hx11rAxLW pic.twitter.com/7WYRg1G4iz — TWU (@transportworker) August 20, 2019
Transportation Trades Department:This should go without saying, but when you exploit your drivers to maximize profits at the expense of their well being, their health suffers. https://t.co/FTaeLfR5NP — Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) August 22, 2019
UAW:Millions of Californians do not have access to a workplace retirement plan — so the state has stepped in to offer a public option: https://t.co/2urceisUvt — UAW (@UAW) August 20, 2019
Union Label and Service Trades:Not only do hardworking men and women make the leather for every NFL football, but also the leather for world famous Red Wing boots and shoes! Check out the handiwork of these UFCW 1189 members 👞🥾 #NationalLeathercraftDay pic.twitter.com/U5LeV57ApF — Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) August 15, 2019
Union Veterans Council:SITTING DOWN FOR JUSTICE! Watch @TexasAFLCIO Union Vet @Stijerina sit down and fight back with @unitehere #1u #1job pic.twitter.com/qKDtMRLKkh — Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) August 14, 2019
UNITE HERE:We stand with miners at #Blackjewel! Coal miners have a long history of taking on hard fights against rich, greedy bosses - we know whose side we're on. One day longer, one day stronger! ⛏✊#NoPayWeStay https://t.co/cEEKPJz9RO — UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 21, 2019
United Food and Commercial Workers:The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (@LLSusa) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to finding cures for blood cancers, and UFCW has been a longstanding partner since 1982. See how one member has helped his Local raise $ for the cause 👏: https://t.co/ev1yfY6rsY pic.twitter.com/WBIkehpiTs — UFCW (@UFCW) August 22, 2019
United Steelworkers:. @repjohnlewis - One of every 6 workplace deaths are from workplace violence—more than from equipment or fires & explosions. FIGHT for #SafeJobsNow pic.twitter.com/JnrpB1nYns — United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) August 21, 2019
Utility Workers:Even though August is nearly over, parts of the nation are still experiencing intense heat. Stay safe out there, and keep an eye out for your coworkers! pic.twitter.com/hDt98w2IwE — UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 21, 2019
Working America:The devastating economic effects of NAFTA can still be felt today. We need a new policy that uplifts all workers, not another deal that benefits multinational corporations at the expense of workers. https://t.co/u96vpvRg97 — Working America (@WorkingAmerica) August 21, 2019
Writers Guild of America, East:Unions: the universally flattering, must-have statement piece for this (and every) season! Solidarity with the very fashionable @CBSNunion as they head to the bargaining table today! #1u https://t.co/w67gF0zYh4 — Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) August 22, 2019
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/22/2019 - 11:00 — Aug 22 -
Union Veterans Fight for Texas Catering Workers Union Veterans Fight for Texas Catering Workers On Tuesday morning, as union veteran Sam Tijerina drove from Pasadena, Texas, to Dallas, he had a lot on his mind. His thoughts wandered as he passed mile markers and towns—he thought about his young family at home and the life that having a union job has provided them. “A union card has allowed me to live with dignity,” he said. Tijerina was traveling to one of the largest acts of civil disobedience that the Texas labor movement has waged in years. LSG Sky Chef workers, who are contracted by American Airlines, planned a rally with UNITE HERE to advocate for raising wages. “It was important to be part of the civil disobedience because my fellow veterans are affected by poor wages,” Tijerina said. “There are an estimated 1.3 million veteran workers who earn less than $15 an hour. It is disheartening to know my brothers and sisters have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. One job should be enough.” More than 600 supporters showed up at the protest, including catering workers, union members from other airports and local supporters like Tijerina. He was one of 58 people who were arrested while blocking traffic during the protest. Tijerina is an Elevator Constructor (IUEC) from Local 31 and a Marine veteran who served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The Marines taught him about selfless service and how to lead by example. “I know that it’s not just about me,” Tijerina said. “It's about fighting for everyone, no matter what their situation is.” This is the same sentiment echoed by Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig at a recent speech to the Texas AFL-CIO convention, shortly before announcing the creation of a Texas chapter of the Union Veterans Council. “Leaders lead from the front and motivate others to take action,” Attig added. “Texas union vets are ready to take action to support the working people of this state.” Earlier this year, Attig was among a group of union leaders and activists who were arrested at the U.S. Capitol during the government shutdown, when a quarter of 1 million veteran workers faced no pay and job instability. Attig hopes this action will motivate fellow union veterans to get more involved. Attig wants Union Veterans Council members and the labor movement to know that union veterans are a force to be reckoned with. The Union Veterans Council is working to unify our veterans by giving them the tools and platform to make their voices heard on a local and national level, along with inspiring union veterans to take an action-based role in the labor movement. Tijerina is just one of a growing movement of union veterans across the country who are using their voices to fight and advocate for fellow workers and the issues that matter to their community. Visit us on our website or on social media Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/22/2019 - 10:21 — Aug 22
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Free At Last! Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup Free At Last! Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup In addition to the AFL-CIO's own "State of the Unions," there are a lot of other podcasts out there that have their own approach to discussing labor issues and the rights of working people. Here are the latest podcasts from across the labor movement in the United States. Follow the links below to find podcasts. They also can be found wherever you listen to podcasts: America's Work Force: "This week's guests include Cheri Honkala, founder of the Poor People’s Economic Rights Campaign, Frank Mathews, administrative director for Communications Workers of America District 4 in Chicago, and Jim Cullen, editor of the Progressive Populist." Building Bridges: Your Community and Labor Report: "We welcome home Janet and Janine Africa, after 41 years, and won’t rest until all our political prisoners are free at last! With:
- Sheroes Janet and Janine finally returned to the beloved community after 41 years of incarceration for a death that actually resulted from a police campaign of terror used against black community organizations;
- Carlos Africa, Move organizer;
- Pam Africa, Move organizer; and
- Commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal, a political prisoner who remains imprisoned for life without parole and continues his work as a journalist from his jail cell in Pennsylvania. Prior to his wrongful conviction in 1981, Abu-Jamal was a political activist and president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists."
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‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Save Our Apprenticeships ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Save Our Apprenticeships AFL-CIO On the latest episode of “State of the Unions,” podcast co-host Tim Schlittner talks to North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Chief of Staff Mike Monroe about a Department of Labor proposal that would undermine world-class apprenticeships in the construction industry. Listen to our previous episodes:
- A discussion with Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Montserrat Garibay (Education Austin/AFT-NEA) in the wake of the deadly mass shooting in El Paso, Texas.
- UNITE HERE President D. Taylor talking about the activism of airline catering workers and the current moment for union organizing.
- Highlights of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka's (UMWA) town halls in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit, where he discussed NAFTA and trade.
- AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler (IBEW) talks about pushing the labor movement to be bold, take risks and not be afraid of failure.
- Pride At Work Executive Director Jerame Davis discusses the progress made by LGBTQ working people over the past quarter-century and the work still left to be done.
- Union organizer Andy Levin goes to Washington to make a difference for working people.
- Talking to National Nurses United (NNU) Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, RN, about the growing movement of registered nurses organizing for better jobs, a more just society and health care as a fundamental human right.
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Lesotho Plan Has All Elements to End Gender-Based Violence at Work Lesotho Plan Has All Elements to End Gender-Based Violence at Work A new worker-centered, precedent-setting program will comprehensively address the rampant gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) denying thousands of women garment workers a safe and dignified workplace in Lesotho. The program, established by two negotiated and enforceable agreements, will cover 10,000 Lesotho garment workers in five factories that produce jeans and knitwear for the global market. Lesotho-based unions and women’s rights groups, major fashion brands and international worker rights organizations, including the Solidarity Center, negotiated with the factory owner, Nien Hsing Textiles, to mandate education and awareness training for all employees and managers, an independent reporting and monitoring system, and remedies for abusive behavior. The parties came to the table after the U.S.-based Worker Rights Consortium documented how the mostly female workforce at three Nien Hsing textile factories regularly was coerced into sexual activity with supervisors as a condition of gaining or retaining employment or promotions, and were persistently sexually harassed, verbally and physically. The Lesothoan unions and women’s rights groups, all with proven histories of fighting to advance the rights of workers and women throughout the country, are: the Federation of Women Lawyers in Lesotho (FIDA), the Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL), the National Clothing Textile and Allied Workers Union, Lesotho (NACTWU), the United Textile Employees (UNITE) and Women and Law in Southern Africa Research and Education Trust (WLSA)-Lesotho. They will administer the agreement and will serve on the oversight committee. The Solidarity Center, WRC and Workers United joined these groups to negotiate the two agreements with Levi Strauss, The Children’s Place, Kontoor Brands and Nien Hsing Textiles. “This is the first initiative in Lesotho that brings together workers, unions, women’s organizations and employers to work towards one common goal of improving the socioeconomic rights of women in the workplace,” said Thusoana Ntlama, FIDA programs coordinator, and Libakiso Matlho, WLSA national director. Agreements Follow Report Documenting Abuse at Lesotho Factories Nearly two-thirds of the garment workers WRC interviewed reported “having experienced sexual harassment or abuse” or having knowledge of harassment or abuse suffered by co-workers, according to the report. Women workers from all three factories identified GBVH as a central concern for themselves and other female employees. “Many supervisors demand sexual favors and bribes from prospective employees,” one worker told WRC investigators. “They promise jobs to the workers who are still on probationary contracts.[…]All of the women in my department have slept with the supervisor. For the women, this is about survival and nothing else.[…]If you say no, you won’t get the job, or your contract will not be renewed.” All the Elements to Prevent, Eliminate GBVH at Work While sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence may happen at any workplace, GBVH is rampant in the global garment and textile industry. Globally, some 85% of garment workers are women. They are especially vulnerable to abuse and violence at work because of imbalanced power structures, high poverty and unemployment. The Lesotho plan “has all the elements needed to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence at work,” says Solidarity Center Executive Director Shawna Bader-Blau. “First, there’s real accountability. It is binding and enforceable on all parties. And the global brands and the employer have guaranteed their commitment to enforcing and upholding the code of conduct by signing fully executed, binding and enforceable contracts.” The agreements:
- Establish an independent organization to investigate issues, fully empowered to determine remedies;
- Create a clear code of conduct on unacceptable behaviors and a system for reporting abuse—with garment workers as full participants in creating, implementing and monitoring it; and
- Establish an education and awareness program that goes beyond the typical harassment and gender violence training. It will be comprehensive and get at the root causes of gender discrimination and violence against women.