Negative
result from PUMA investigation at Matamaros
Dear all,
13 Feb 2003, Last week we reported to you that
Dr. Hengstmann from PUMA undertook an investigation into the
situation at the Matamaros factory in Mexico. Unfortunately
the outcome of the investigation is extremely disappointing.
The CAT not only rejects the conclusions reached
by PUMA but also has very serious criticisms about the way the
investigation was conducted and about the fact that results
were not discussed first with the CAT as parties agreed to do.
Please find below CATs
statement about this, and below that the
report from PUMA.
The German CCC has already written to PUMA about
this and strongly complained about among others the use of videotaping
of interviewed workers and about giving the false impression
that joining the CMT amounts to freedom of association.
They further repeat that PUMA should resume production
at this facility and ensure that their code and internationally
recognized labour standards are respected. A system for indepently
verifying compliance with these standards needs to be set up
which includes workers and their organizations, such as CAT.
A corrective action plan has to be developed and PUMA must ensure
that it’s implemented. An important first step here is
the formal recognition of the free trade union SITEMAG.
A representative from CAT will travel to Germany
next week invited by the German CCC. On February 25 a press
conference will be held in Cologne, and the CCC has requested
PUMA in the above mentioned letter to meet with the representative
from CAT on the 24th. Obviously the results of that meeting
will be communicated at the pressconference.
Please send a message to PUMA today supporting
the demands outlined above and stressing that Puma must talk
with management (John Whittinghill) and the Government of the
State of Puebla to recognize the violations against the workers
and give them the opportunity to freely choose a union without
company harassment or pressure, and terminate the protection
contract signed with the Sindicato Francisco Villa of the CTM.
See also the statement from CAT below.
We have gathered from the messages send by PUMA
how many of you are supporting this case, it is essential that
you keep the pressure up!!
The adress is:
Dr. Reiner Hengstmann
Global Head Environmental & Social Affairs | PUMA AG
Fon: +49-9132-81-2398
Fax: +49-9132-81-2281
eMail: reiner.hengstmann@puma.com
Address:
Wuerzburger Strasse 13
91074 Herzogenaurach
Germany
