Day of action for sacked Peruvian garment workers

Members of Liverpool Solidarity Federation have held an informational picket outside Zara, in Liverpool One, and handed out leaflets to customers, staff, and passers-by.

Despite some attention from security guards, who informed us we couldn’t operate on private property, we were able to hand out all our leaflets and our action was generally well received. One woman even came over as we were packing away to inquire what we were up to, and offered her support when we explained what we had been doing and why.

This was part of international solidarity actions supported by the International Workers Asscociation (IWA) for workers in Peru, in response to the sacking of 35 trade unionists. The union members were working in a factory for ‘Topy Top’, one of the major suppliers to high street store Zara, and also a supplier for Gap.

Topy Top employees often work 12 hour shifts and some are forced to survive on very low wages. According to a 2008 report by the Fair Labor Association: 60+ hour weeks are common, there are no health and safety measures, and bullying and “brutal harassment” are routine.

We believe exploitation and harassment must be opposed whenever and wherever it exists. We stand in solidarity with the workers of Topy Top. Their struggle is our struggle. An injury to one is an injury to all!

You can read a PDF version of the leaflet we handed out here.
Read more about the Topy Top workers’ struggle at libcom.org

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