DESA Workers Win Supreme Court Case: Buyers must act NOW!
Thursday, 14 May 2009 16:13
Almost a year to the day since DESA workers began their struggle for union recognition, the Supreme Court in Turkey has confirmed that 18 of the workers sacked by the Turkish leather factory had been illegally dismissed as a result of union organising. The Supreme Court rulings represent a significant victory for the DESA workers, including worker-organiser Emine Arslan.
But the struggle is not over yet. DESA management is reported to have renewed its harassment of the protesting workers and have threatened employees who associate with union members. Without your help, the 18 workers may still be out of a job and threats against workers may persist.
Help DESA workers get their jobs back!
Read more: DESA Workers Win Supreme Court Case: Buyers must act NOW!
Mulberry - responding to campaigners
Wednesday, 13 May 2009 16:47
The only brand that has chosen to respond to consumers who have contacted them in regard to this case is Mulberry, a UK based company retailing luxury leather goods. We welcome the fact that Mulberry has made the effort to respond to consumers on this case and we feel it is important to respond to the points raised by them in their letter. Below we have highlighted some of the key issues they raise and why we disagree with their interpretation of events.
We are still calling on Mulberry and other key buyers to do more to uphold the rights of DESA workers. Take action here>>
DESA: Update
Monday, 09 February 2009 11:19
In November 2008 the Clean Clothes Campaign and LabourStart put out an urgent appeal for action to support sacked and exploited Turkish leather workers producing for some of Europe's most luxurious brands. Since then the Turkish court has upheld our claim that workers at DESA were sacked for union activity, and several meetings have taken place between the union and DESA management. Despite these apparent victories, little has changed for the workers on the ground as none of the union's demands have been met.
It is now nine months since DESA workers stood up to demand their right to a union. More pressure is needed to make DESA and its buyers take responsibility for these workers and protect their right to join a union.
Turkey: A union is a right not a luxury
Sunday, 16 November 2008 10:19
Anyone considering buying a leather bag or pair of gloves from designer brands Prada, Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, Aspinals of London and Samsonite could be forgiven for assuming that paying such high prices might mean avoiding the exploitation and abuse for which high street fashion is renowned.
However, as Turkish workers at the DESA factory in Turkey could tell you, the reality is very different. Long hours, low wages and appalling conditions are the norm and for the last six months the factory has been running a campaign of harassment and intimidation against the union they formed to stand up for their rights.
