Recently the DC-based group International Labor Rights Forum informed those concerned with global labor rights, that IKEA, Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl’s are passively watching as union-busting is taking place at a Turkish supplier factory.
The following background has been provided by the ILRF:
Menderes Tekstil in Southwestern Turkey produces bed linens for the home. Over the last years, four Menderes workers died due to work-related injuries. In the most recent accident, on November 20, 2008, one employee died when he fell into the funnel of a coal boiler. Workers reported that the boiler had no safety measures to prevent such an accident. After the tragic accident, the factory management reportedly ordered three colleagues of the victim to climb into the funnel to retrieve the body. Again, no safety measures were taken, and the three had no protection against toxic gases inside the boiler. They suffered respiratory poisoning and had to seek treatment in a nearby hospital.
In March 2008, the national Turkish textile workers union TEKSIF started organizing workers at the factory. Since then, the Menderes management called the union leaders into their offices one by one, and gave them the choice between denouncing the union or being sacked. Turkish law prohibits dismissals or transfers as retribution for union organizing.
In August 2008 workers and union representatives started protests outside the Menderes factory. The protests lasted for 190 days and were aimed at gaining acceptance of their union. Despite these actions, the company has continued to harass the unionists and has refused any dialogue with the union.
Meanwhile, eight court cases of wrongfully dismissed employees are currently before the magistrate. However, the judicial process could take years before producing any verdict.
More information about ILRF’s communication with Wal-Mart, Kohl’s and Target, visit ILRF’s Menderes Tekstil Factory Profile.
The ILRF and the CCC urge these companies to use their influence and insist that their Turkish supplier enters into a direct dialogue with trade union TEKSIF.
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