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Clothing Workers on Strike

Wednesday 06th of June 2007 02:08:42 AM

After citing cutbacks in pay and the possibility of future raises, 500 garment workers from three clothing manufacturers A&H Sportswear, Universal Sportswear, and International Women's Apparel, which is a division of Hartmarx, have gone on strike. The main reason for the strike was the increased costs of medical coverage for employees that would no longer cover spouses. "They want to change our health care and we can't afford what they're offering us. We need better wages, raises and better health care," said Noreen Vanbilliard, who has worked for A&H Sportswear for 25 years.

But the clothing companies are citing competition from other companies who have moved their production overseas as the reason for increases in health care coverage and limited raises. "We're dying. I sometimes make a nickel on a T-shirt. It's not like we're making big bucks," said Joe Capozzolo, who owns Universal Sportswear, the smallest company affected by the strike with about 25 union employees.

Companies that manufacture T-Shirts, hats, pants, Polo Shirts and other clothing overseas are saving money in production costs, warehouse space, and taxes, which makes it easier to maintain its overhead and charge less for merchandise. But for US workers, who are only earning on average US$8.00 per hour, these reasons are not important. In addition to low pay, many workers worry about job security as more companies move overseas.

Talks are underway with the workers and the Atlantic Apparel Contractors Association for an agreement to be reached so production can begin soon. The US is not the only country to feel the sting of overseas production. In March, Burberry closed one of its Polo Shirts factories in the UK and moved it overseas after much protest from workers and government officials.

(c)Omar Franco, www.sxc.hu