I'm all about letter writing campaigns!

[Lydia Nelson]

Unionbusting at Walmart, Kohl's and Target factory

(an email sent to me from the International Labor Rights Forum)

While a serious case of union-busting at a Turkish supplier factory is happening right under their noses, retail giants IKEA, Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl's choose to stand by idly. Other companies in Europe have been equally silent about the basic labor rights violation against hundreds of workers at their supplier. In addition, working conditions in the factory are unacceptably dangerous and have resulted in the unnecessary deaths of four workers.
Support the Turkish union in their struggle to improve labor conditions and safety at this factory. Email letters to Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl's and demand fair working conditions in their supply chain.

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Brian Miller, Kohl's Senior Vice President
Gregg Steinhafel, Target CEO
Mr. Mike Duke, CEO of Walmart
Mr. Rajan Kamalanathan, Walmart VP-Ethical Standards

Below is the sample letter:

Dear [decision maker name inserted here],

I am writing to you to express my deep concerns about the working conditions at one of your suppliers in Turkey, Menderes Tekstil. I understand from the International Labor Rights Forum that the factory's workers are being denied the right to form a union, and that the factory management dismisses, transfers and harasses employees who support the workers' union.

I also read reports that the working conditions at the factory are unacceptably dangerous and harmful, leading to the death of four of Menderes' workers. All this in violation of Turkish law, international labour standards as per the International Labor Organization, and your own suppliers code of conduct.

I have been informed by ILRF that their efforts to address these urgent matters with you met with a refusal from your side to take swift and effective action to remedy the situation.

As a consumer and one of your potential clients, I am concerned about the working conditions surrounding th e production of the goods you sell. I urge you to take up your supply chain responsibilities seriously, and to demand from Menderes Tekstil:

- reinstatement with compensation and pay-back of wages where appropriate for those workers who are currently engaged in court proceedings against Menderes Tekstil following their dismissal due to unionization.

- acknowledgement of TEKSIF as a legitimate union at your factory and to recognize their right to represent their members in factory matters, and to provide all workers with a guarantee that the company will respect their rights to organise and to bargain collectively.

- involvement of TEKSIF in the discussions around the company's restructuring plans and the criteria for necessary dismissals.

- review of occupational health and safety measures at both factory plants, as well as a review of certain disciplinary and grievance handling mechanisms.

Sincerely,
(your name here)

[Nate Porter]

For others who are about letter writing campaigns:
http://www.amnestyusa.org
http://www.amnesty.org
http://www.avaaz.org (this one has a sense of humor and purpose)
http://www.actioncenter.org (world hunger)
http://www.elca.org/advocacy
http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/learn/globalissues-home

Some of my favorites. And I'm really bad at sending real letters, so I tend to stick to sites that at least frequently offer e-campaigns.