Honduran workers get happy news for Christmas

Workers from the previously closed Jerzees de Honduras celebrate the reopening of their factory and payment of compensation.

Workers celebrate factory reopening after WRC investigation

Fruit of the Loom/Russell workers found some much needed holiday cheer in Honduras at a recent union assembly attended by more than a thousand workers. Fruit of the Loom child company Russell Athletic, the company the P&P network campaigned against as part of an international solidarity campaign last year, have started paying the sacked workers compensation, and have reopened a factory as promised. This happened just in time for Christmas. See a slide show of the emotional and moving event.

Newspaper report of the campaign victory

The union’s achievement is astounding in its scope and impact. The agreement with Russell will make an immediate and enormous difference in the lives of thousands of workers and family members and will open the door to positive change for all Russell employees in Honduras – more than 10,000 people. And the agreement also sets a crucial precedent for the right to organize in a region of the world where it has been next to impossible to defend and advance this right in the private sector.

Mipsie Marshall, a student who joined the campaign said:

I got involved because I can’t stand by whilst companies bust up unions, and prevent workers from exercising their human rights. People have the right to join a union if they’re working under terrible conditions. It makes you so happy to see these photos and it shows what a difference we can make if we work together.

Crying with emotion as fight is successful

Do huge corporations have all the power? Do we have to let them get away with busting unions, abusing workers and destroying communities? The Buy Right campaign says NO! Students have the power to fight corporate power and campaign for human rights in solidarity with their workers. Find out how with a workshop, and join an exciting new campaign.