More action needed for Jaqalanka workers

29 Aug 2003,

Dear Friends,

The Free Trade Zone Workers Union(FTZWU) thanks all the people who have responded to the appeal for support, and reports they have received over 400 protest letters to date. Unfortunately, according to the FTZWU, management intimidation and harassment continues and Jaqalanka is unwilling to recognise the union on the basis of its signed up membership.

The FTZWU appeals for more support for the Jaqalanka workers in Sri Lanka in their attempt to get their union recognized. Pressure is especially needed upon the main buyer, the VF corporation (the worlds largest jeans producer, owner of brands like Lee and Wrangler) who so far has been spectacularly silent on this matter

According the FTZWU, the management of Jaqalanka is insistent that a second referendum is required as the customers insist on this. However the union believes the customers would rather see an amicable settlement therefore the union demands immediate recognition based on its membership.

Recent developments:

The Labour Department has released its report on the conduct of the referendum, in which it seems they are trying to cover up the fact that they did not fulfil their obligations. The union believes management will use this report to justify their position, and has responded immediately (please see a copy of the letter posted on our website). Those who want to see a copy of the Labour Department Report can contact the FTZWU.

The FTZWU has filed a complaint about the case at the Fair Labor Association (FLA), since Nike, an FLA member, is one of Jaqalanka's clients. The FLA has started investigating the case and the Executive Director will visit Sri Lanka in the second week of September. Nike reportedly also has been talking to different parties on the ground.

This dispute, especially its ramifications for Sri Lanka's GSP and Free Trade Agreements with the USA and Europe, is receiving significant attention in the Sri Lankan press. (See also http://www.island.lk/2003/08/04/).

Action request:

The union urges you to continue your support and letter writing campaigns. Please pressure the buyers, management and the government to take immediate action for an amicable resolution of this dispute.

The union's demands remain the same.

1. Recognition of the Free Trade Zones Workers Union as the collective bargaining agent of Jaqalanka Ltd. based on the signed up membership.
2. Jaqalanka Ltd, the Government of Sri Lanka, the President, Prime Minister,
3. Inspector General of Police to take every step to safeguard the lives of the branch union members who voted in favour of the union at the 9th July referendum.
4. A clear statement from Jaqalanka Ltd that they will respect the right to Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
5. Provide facilities for trade unions to operate freely inside the factory.

Sample letters and addresses are included below. Please send copies of all letters and solidarity messages to the union at ftzunion@diamond.lanka.net

Adress list:

Mr WHM Fernando
Managing Director
Jaqalanka Ltd
46/1 Fife Road
Colombo 5
Fax: 94 1 2594 877
jaqa@jaqalanka.com

Ranil Wickramasinghe Esq
Honourable Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Temple Trees
Colombo 3
Fax: 94 1 2385 679

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge
Her Excellency
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Presidential Secretariat
Colombo 1
Fax: 94 1 2333 703

Mahinda Samarasinghe Esq
Honourable Minister of Employment and Labour
Ministry of Labour
Labour Secretariat
Colombo 5
Fax: 94 1 2588 950

Nike
Phil Knight, President
cc. Vada Manager
cc. Dusty Kidd
One Bowerman Drive
Beaverton OR 974005-6453
USA
Fax: 1 503 671 6300
Email: phil.knight@nike.com, vada.manager@nike.com, dusty.kidd@nike.com

VF Corporation
Mackey H. McDonald, President, Chairman and CEO
628 Green Valley Rd., Ste. 500
Greensboro, NC 27408 USA
Fax: 1 336 547 7630
irrequest@vfc.com
jocelyn_berner@vfc.com

VF Workwear
Bill Wedekind, President
PO Box 140994
Nashville TN 37214-0995
USA
Fax: +1-615-565-5263

[insert date]

To:

Dear [insert name]

Concerns: Jaqalanka Ltd, Free Trade Zone Katunayake

denial of fundamental rights of Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

We would like to draw your attention to the critical situation at your factory in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone, where members of the Free Trade Zones Workers Union (FTZWU) are not only facing threats, harassment and intimidation, but their lives are also at risk, merely because they are members of the union.

Since the referendum held on 9th July 2003, branch union officials and the members who cast their vote have been under threat, including direct threats to their life by unidentified persons.

This intimidation and harassment is continuing even today, and the dispute remains at a deadlock, despite the union?s attempts to negotiate with your management.

We understand that your company is unwilling to recognise the union on the basis of it?s signed up membership and are insistent that a second referendum is required as your customers insist on this.

However we support the union in their view that the customers would rather see an amicable settlement in which workers can work freely without harassment or intimidation, while enjoying basic rights.

The union believes that under the current critical circumstances it is impossible to have another referendum as it is clear your management will not relent in its intimidation, threats and harassment.

The union demands remain the same: Recognition of the Free Trade Zones Workers Union as the collective bargaining agent of Jaqalanka Ltd based on its signed up membership. Jaqalanka Ltd, the Government of Sri Lanka, the President, Prime Minister, Inspector General of Police to take every step to safeguard the lives of the branch union members who voted in favour of the union at the 9th July referendum. A clear statement from Jaqalanka Ltd that they will respect the right to Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining Provide facilities for trade unions to operate freely inside the factory.

We urge you to recognise the Free Trade Zones Workers Union as the collective bargaining agent in your factory.

And further, we urge that you take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the lives the union members who are under threat.

Yours sincerely

[name]
[organisation]