This long running dispute with management arose over recognition of a branch of the FTZWU at the Jaqalanka factory, a supplier to among others VF Corporation and Nike, in the Katanuyake Free Trade zone. Management refused to recognize the union even though they had the required number of members (over 200 out of a total of 400 workers). Management subsequently threatened and harassed workers, to the extent that only 4% of the workers voted at a referendum held in July. The official report filed by international observers found that the election "was marred by the clumsiest of employer intimidation. The government of Sri Lanka did nothing about it." After the referendum the threatening (including death threats) continued. But despite this union membership continued to grow. Complaints were filed to the ILO, the case was brought to the attention of the EU and the US as part of the negotiations on the trade agreements, and a complaint was filed at the Fair Labor Association. Auditors from Nike and later from Columbia visited the factory, and many people wrote letters to the buyers, the company and the government. It was a serious test case for the right to organise and collective bargaining in the Free Trade Zones of Sri Lanka.

The union met with Jaqalanka on October 16th and, with the intervention of the FLA and the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), reached an agreement that meets most of the union's demands. Jaqalanka has agreed to recognise the FTZWU as the representative of the workers and will stop all victimization and harassment of union members. The FTZWU has promised to stop its international campaign and suspend complaints lodged with the ILO. The General Secretary of the Jaqalanka branch, FTZWU, sent the following message: "This is a significant and substantial victory for the brave union members of Jaqalanka, the FTZWU generally and the workers of Sri Lanka. We thank EVERYONE for their interest in and support of this campaign. Your solidarity support and actions helped make this happen."

For more information on this case please see www.cleanclothes.org/appeals The CCC website www.cleanclothes.org has information on a variety of campaigns aimed at raising consumer awareness, legal possibilities and company responsibility, and other solidarity cases that need your positive action.