Resources
In this section
Organizations, networks, and initiatives
For descriptions of organizations and networks, including trade union initiatives and trade and development NGOs, see the listings below.
For links to research database section, campaigns surrounding global workers’ rights, teaching resources, including videos for use in the classroom, and research portal, describing international treaties, protocols, and country-specific information on workers’ rights, please see the side menu.
The Center would like to extend thanks to Penn State student Shelby Mastovich for her valuable help with the following sections relating to resources on global workers’ rights.
International and national non-governmental organizations and networks
United Students Against Sweatshops
Through the use of concepts such as solidarity, collective liberation, pluralism, grassroots democracy, and a diversity of tactics, United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) promotes workers’ rights to create sustainable power for working people. This student- and youth-led group attempts to accomplish this aim by eradicating workers’ rights abuses. The definition of a sweatshop for USAS is very broad, encompassing all struggles against the daily abuses of workers in the global economic system.
International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF)
The ILRF advocates for workers’ rights through corporate campaigns focusing on the elimination of child labor, supporting the rights for working women, creating a sweatshop-free world, and endorsing freedom at work.
U.S. Labor Education in the Americas Project (USLEAP)
USLEAP is an independent, nonprofit organization based in Chicago that engages a wide range of organizations and individuals in the United States and abroad to promote full respect for the rights of workers in Latin America.
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch is an advocacy group that draws international attention to human rights abuses. It supports workers’ rights through the lens of intended implementation of human rights in all nations.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International promotes human rights throughout the world. One area the organization encompasses in the fight for international justice is based on the defense of workers’ rights.
Oxfam International
Oxfam International provides a network of organizations fighting to rid the world of poverty. The group addresses workers’ rights through a vision for fair trade.
Worker Rights Consortium (WRC)
The WRC brings attention to sweatshops and seeks to uphold the rights of workers as an independent monitoring agency. By facilitating in-depth investigations of factories used by major brands, the WRC is currently the most effective monitoring agency available for university and college affiliates.
SweatFree Communities
SweatFree Communities advocates for workers’ rights specifically through the eradication of sweatshops.
SweatFree Purchasing Consortium
The goal of the SweatFree Purchasing Consortium is to end public spending on products made in sweatshops. It helps ensure that tax dollars are not aiding the “race to the bottom” by focusing on both the bettering of communities and advocacy for proper working conditions for employees producing products ultimately purchased by governments.
Adbusters
Adbusters is a progressive magazine that fueled the birth of the Occupy Movement. It supports workers’ rights throughout many of its campaigns, including Buy Nothing Day, which focuses on the negative impacts of some forms of consumerism. This campaign advocates for workers across the globe who are continually compromised so that consumers have access to cheaper and cheaper products.
National Domestic Workers Alliance
The National Domestic Workers Alliance advocates for workers’ rights for domestic workers in the United States who are left out of most protective labor laws and often do not see what rights they do possess upheld.
Fair Trade USA
Fair Trade USA certifies and promotes products that are made fairly, taking into consideration the rights of the workers.
Young Workers Movement
The Young Workers Movement seeks to document the challenging issues facing young workers (defined as eighteen–thirty year olds) so to increase awareness about the potential role of younger workers in the labor movement. The goal is to make organizing around work and labor more appealing to young workers and progressive students and thus turn discussion into action.
Students for a Democratic Society
Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) is comprised of individuals attempting to use their power to strengthen democracy. The group is currently focused on the Campaign for Education Rights, which encompasses elements of workers’ rights. Specifically, SDS acknowledges rising student tuition proves problematic for them personally, but as tuition goes up more workers are also being laid off at universities as class sizes are increasing. SDS advocates for the opportunity to vote on university policies in this regard and therefore have a say in the administration of one’s own university.
Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC)
The CCC seeks to educate and mobilize consumers, offer solidarity support to workers, and lobby companies and governments to achieve respected rights for workers. The organization consists of 15 organizations in European countries.
International and national institutions, including trade union initiatives
The International Labour Organization (ILO)
The ILO is a tripartite, specialized agency of the United Nations that seeks to uphold labor standards throughout the world by giving an equal voice to workers, employers, and governments. The organization attempts to increase rights at work, decent employment, social protection, and social dialogue related to work-related issues.
Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
SEWA is a trade union, initially created in 1972, that strives to improve the lives of self-employed, poor women. Women who comprise this union earn a living through their own, individual labor, especially through small businesses. The organization, with affiliates around the world works to provide services such as credit, health care, child care, insurance, legal aid, capacity building and communication, all of which serve important needs of poor women
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
The AFL-CIO represents millions of union members in the United States in an attempt to uphold fairness and dignity in the workplace in hopes that all people that work will be valued, respected, and awarded. The AFL-CIO several unions and initiatives offer rigorous analysis of global labor issues.
American Center for International Labor Solidarity
Established in 1997, the Solidarity Center is a nonprofit organization that assists workers attempting to build democratic and independent trade unions worldwide. Its mission is to help build a global labor movement by strengthening the economic and political power of workers around the world through effective, independent and democratic unions. In cooperation with the Global Labour University (GLU), the AFL-CIO recently launched a program on the Future of Worker Representation and as part set in place a global online conversation. How are workers and unions worldwide addressing growing inequality and the challenges to organizing and collective representation? Each week they post a new question and invite others to join the conversation in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Global Unions
With eleven member organizations, Global Unions is an international trade union initiative aimed at sharing a commitment to organize, defend workers’ rights, and encourage trade unionization worldwide.
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
The ITUC was founded in 2006 with the intent to represent workers worldwide. It is the main international trade union organization, grouping together the former International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), the World Confederation of Labour (WCL), and other unions that previously had no global affiliation.
Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB)
The United States Department of Labor seeks to uphold workers’ rights at the legal level by enforcing laws regarding a federal minimum wage, child labor, overtime, homework, record keeping, safety in the workplace, and other protections. The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) leads the U.S. Department of Labor’s efforts to ensure that workers around the world are treated fairly and are able to share in the benefits of the global economy. ILAB’s mission is to use all available international channels to improve working conditions, raise living standards, protect workers’ ability to exercise their rights, and address the workplace exploitation of children and other vulnerable populations.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was enacted to help protect the safety of workers in their workplaces. The administrating agency, OSHA, provides information, training and assistance to workers and employers. Workers may file complaints to have OSHA inspect their workplace if they believe that their employer is not following OSHA standards or that there are serious hazards.
The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Southwest Workers Union (SWU)
Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Future of Worker Representation
United States Department of Labor
Trade and Development NGOs and initiatives
Action Aid
Action Aid contributes to trade development assessment through its campaign initiatives and lobbying, hoping to change international trade rules as well as through providing microcredit and skills training to women.
Care International
Care International’s main focuses is Economic Development, which includes implementation of microfinance programs, business skills training, and institutional development of local partner organizations.
Concern Worldwide
Concern Worldwide pursues microfinance programs, business and vocational skills training, rural development schemes, and campaigns for changes in trade policy.
Consumers International
Consumers International takes part in advocacy surrounding agricultural trade, the liberalization of services, competition policy, intellectual property rules, and standards and transparency, pressing for the accountability of institutions.
Counterpart International
Counterpart International initiates financial service programs such as microfinance and strengthening community-based organizations and business service development.
Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP)
IATP works to form stronger and fairer multilateral trade rules.
International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD)
ICTSD advocates for sustainable development through information and research, networking and dialogue, and training for trade and sustainable development.
International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
The IISD provides policy recommendations for sustainable development in trade and investment, economic policy, climate change, measurement and assessment of sustainable development progress, and natural resource management.
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)
MEDA provides assistance to low-income individuals through microfinance, technological and marketing assistance, business training, and community economic development.
Third World Network (TWN)
TWN takes part in research pertaining to economic and trade development issues.
Women’s Environment & Development Organization (WEDO)
WEDO advocates for women’s equality through sustainable development and economic justice programs.
GSP Workers’ Rights Files Project
Bangladesh
- Supplement to Petition to Remove Bangladesh from the List of Beneficiary Developing Countries Under the GSP September 2003
- Supplement to Petition to Remove Bangladesh from the List of Beneficiary Developing Countries Under the GSP October 2003
- Update of the AFL-CIO’S 2007 and 2012 Petitions to Remove Bangladesh from the List of the Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Under the GSP
- Update of the AFL-CIO’S 2007 and 2012 Petitions to Remove Bangladesh from the List of the Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Under the GSP OCT 2017
- Update to the 2007—2001 Petitions to Remove Bangladesh from List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to Section 129 U.S.C. and 2462(D) of the GSP
- AFL-CIO, 001-CP-99 Bangladesh
- Note from AFL-CIO on Bangladesh
- Petition to Remove Bangladesh from the List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to 19 USC 2462(d) of the GSP 2007
- Petition to Remove Bangladesh from the List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to 19 USC 2462(d) of the GSP 2005
- Pre-hearing Brief Case#001-CP-08
- Post Hearing Brief, Bangladesh
- The Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006
- Testimony of Celeste Drake, Trade Policy Specialist on behalf of the AFL-CIO In Support of the Petition to Remove Bangladesh…..
- Petition 2005 AR Case# 001-CP-05
Bahrain
Benin
Burma
Brazil
Colombia
- Continue P-11 Colombia June 14, 1995
- Continue P-12 Colombia June 14, 1995
- GSP Colombia June 14, 1995
- GSP Colombia Nov. 1993
- Human Right Watch Colombia June 14, 1995
- Petition to Review GSP Status to Colombia
- Worker Rights and Adean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) Eligibility for Colombia Sept. 15, 2004-Colombia
Costa Rica
- Before the US Trade Rep-Sept 2, 2003 (Costa Rica) Update
- Before the US Trade Rep-Sept. 2, 2003 (Costa Rica)
- Before US Trade Dec. 2, 2002-Case No.002
- Before US Trade Rep. Dec. 2, 2002
- Before US Trade Rep. June 2001
- Petition to Review Costa Rica Dec. 13, 2002 for 2005
- Petition to Review Costa Rica Dec. 13, 2004
- Petition to Review Costa Rica Dec.2,2002 Case No. 001
- Petition to Review Costa Rica June 1, 1993
- Petition to Review Costa Rica June 2001 #2
- Costa Rica 1993
- GSP-Dec. 1993
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
- San Salvador
- Petition to the US Trade Representative to Review the Labor Rights of EL SALVADOR
- Petition to the United States Representative to Review the Labor Rights Record of El Salvador May 15, 1990 (1)
- Petition to Suspend El Salvador’s Trade Preferences Under the GSP for Violation of Internationally Recognized Workers’ Rights
- Petition Before the US Trade Representative on Labor Rights in EL Salvador …..May 1989
- Petition before the US Trade Representative on Labour Rights in El Salvador May 1990
- Petition to Remove El Salvador from the LIst of Beneficiary Developing Countries . . . . . . June 15, 2005
- Petition to Remove El Salvador from the List of Beneficiary Developing Countries Under the GSP and from the list of Beneficiary Countries Under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBI)
- Petition to Remove El Salvador from the List of Beneficiary Developing Countries Under the General System of Preferences June 1990
- Petition to Remove El Salvador from the List of Beneficiary Developing Countries Under the General System of Preferences June 1990 (1)
- Petition to Remove El Salvador from the List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to 19 USC 2462(d) of the GSP Dec. 2002
- Petition to Remove El Salvador from the List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to 19 USC 2462(d) of the GSP 2003 SEPT
- Petition to Review El Salvador’s Country Eligibility Under the GSP for Violation of Internationally Recognized Workers’ Rights
- Petition to Review EL Salvador’s Country Eligibility Under the GSP for Violation of Internationally Recognized Workers’ Rights . . . . . Dec 13, 2004
- Petition to Review El Salvador’s Country Eligibility Under the GSP for Violation of International Recognized Workers’ Rights Dec. 13, 2004
- Petition to Review El Salvador’s Country Eligibility Under the GSP for Violation of International Recognized Workers’ Rights Dec. 13, 2004 (1)
- El Salvador 1991
- El Salvador 1992
- EL Salvador AFLCIO 1993
- AFL-CIO Petition to the US Trade Representative to Remove El Salvador from Trade Benefits Program due to Worker Rights Violations (1)
- AFL-CIO Petition to the US Trade Representative to Remove El Salvador from Trade Benefits Program due to Worker Rights Violations
- GSP El Salvador Case 005-CP-93-July 1994
- GSP Sub-Committee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee 1990 GSP Annual Report; Worker Rights Review Summary Case 003-CP-92
- GSP Sub-Committee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee 1992 GSP Annual Report; Worker Rights Review Summary Case 003-CP-92
- New York Labor Committee-El-Salvador 003-CP-91 May 1991
- Letter to David Clarke from Americas Watch
Fiji
- FMF Foods Limited Letter to William Jackson
- Fiji 1993
- Fiji Government’s Contempt for Labor Rights
- Fiji Comments Letter to William Jackson
- Fiji Comments Letter on the US GSP Scheme Hearing
- Fiji Government’s Response to Hearing & Post-Hearing Questions
- AFL-CIO Request to William Jackson to Testify on their behalf at Oct 2, 2012 Fiji Hearing
- GSP Substitute of Trade Policy Staff Cmtte 1992 GSP Annual Review, Worker Rights Review Summary Case 004-CP-92, Fiji July 1993
- GSP Substitute of Trade Policy Staff Cmmtte 1992 GSP Annual Review, Worker Rights Review Summary Case 004-CP-92, Fiji July 1994
- Petition to Remove Fiji from the List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to 19 USC 2462(d) of the GSP Dec. 2002
- Post Hearing Brief for the October 2012 Hearing on the Petition to Remove FIJI from the List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to Section 19 USC
- William Jackson letter to AFL-CIO on Fiji Testimony
Georgia
- GSP 2011 Annual Product and Country Eligibility Practices Review
- Labor Freedom, Georgia
- Oral Testimony, Government of Georgia, January 24, 2012
- Petition of the AFL-CIO To Remove Georgia from the list of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to Sept. 10, 2010
- Post-Hearing Comments Submitted by the Government of Georgia of Georgia on the Petition of the AFL-CIO to Remove Georgia from the List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant. .. .. Feb 24,
- Post-Hearing Brief on the Petition to Remove Georgia from the list of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to ……April 2013
- Post Hearing Brief for the January 2012 Hearing on the Petition to Remove Georgia from the List of Eligible Beneficiary …….Feb 2012
- Pre-Hearing Comments Submitted by the Government of Georgia on the Petition of the AFL-CIO to Remove Georgia from the List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries
- Testimony of Celeste Drake, Trade Policy Specialist on Behalf of the AFL-CIO In Support of the Petition to Remove Georgia
- Memo to Brian Campbell April 19, 2007
- New Case Communication Workers Trade Union
- Oral Testimony Brief (Draft) by Lasha Akhaladze, Chairman, Employment and Labor Relations Committee
- Pre-Hearing Brief on the 2010-2012 Petitions to Remove from the List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to Section 19 ……March 2013
Guatemela
- Congress of United States March 10, 2005
- Continue Labor Rights in Guatemala May 30, 1988
- AFL-CIO Guatemala 1993
- AFL-CIO Reforming the Labor Code Guatemala 1992
- AFL-CIO Guatemala Aug. 2000
- AFL-CIO Guatemala 12-02 Dec. 2, 2002
- AFL-CIO Guatemala Sept. 2, 2003
- GSP AFL-CIO Guatemala June 16, 1998
- GSP C-003,004,008-CP-91 Guatemala Oct. 1991
- GSP Guatemala C-007-CP-93 July 1994
- GSP Guatemala July 1993 C-005-CP-92
- GSP Status of Guatemala June 1, 1990
- GSP Status of Guatemala June, 1992
- GSP Status of Guatemala June 11, 1998
- WOLA Guatemala Dec. 13, 2004
- WOLA June 15, 2005 Guatemala
- WOLA Dec. 13, 2004 Guatemala
- Guatemala 004-CP-9 May 30, 1991
- IBEM-GSP-June 1, 1990
- Int’l Labor Rights Fund Dec. 13, 2004 Guatemala
- Int’l Labor Rights Fund GSP Dec. 2002 Guatemala
- Labor Rights in Guatemala June 1, 1989
- Labor Rights in Guatemala May 30, 1988
- Post Hearing Brief Guatemala Oct. 31, 2003
- Post Hearing Brief Guatemala Oct. 31, 2003 C-005-CP-02
- Americas Watch – Guatemala June 1, 1990
- The Right of Association Coca-cola
Gulf Countries
Haiti
- AFL-CIO Case Against Haiti-Review & Analysis
- AFL-CIO Report on Haiti – 1992
- AFL-CIO Urge the Termination of Haiti’s Eligibility for Trade Benefits Under the GSP
- Haiti, Military Repression, 1993
- Labor Rights Violations in Haiti (1)
- Labor Rights Violations in Haiti
- Petition on the Question of Labor in Haiti
Honduras
Liberia
Mauritania
Malaysia
Myanmar
Panama
Pakistan
Philippines
Sri Lanka
Swaziland
- Swaziland Government Gazette Extraordinary Part C-Legal Notices
- Swaziland’s Gov letter to P. R. Dunseith re. Swazi Citizenship; July 17, 1995
- AFL-CIO Petition to the Office of the United States Trade Representative Swaziland Feb. 28, 1997
- AFL-CIO Petition to the Office of the United States Trade Representative Feb. 28, 1997
- AFL-CIO Petition to the Office of the United States Trade Rep. June 16, 1998
- ICFTU Formal Complaint against the Government of Swaziland for violation of Convention NO. 87 Freedom of Association and Rights to Organize and Convention No. 98 on Rights to Organize and Collective Bargaining
- Petition to Remove Swaziland from the List of Beneficiary Developing Countries Under the GSP System of Preferences, Dec. 2, 2002
- Report of Joint Mission to Swaziland 17-21 July 1995
- The Designation of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions Mass Stay Away as a Boycott, Notice. 1995
- Swaziland June 1999
- The Industrial Relations Bill, 1995; Bill No. 4 of 1995
Taiwan
Turkey
Thailand
- Thailand’s Disrespect for the observance and enforcement of Internationally Recognized worker rights 1987
- Thailand’s Disrespect for the observance and enforcement of Internationally Recognized worker rights 1988
- GSP 1989 Annual Review Worker Rights Review Summary Case 004-CP-89 Thailand
- GSP 1991 Annual Review Worker Rights Review Summary Case 008-CP-91 Thailand
- AFL-CIO Thailand 008-CP-87
- GSP 1992 Annual Review Worker Rights Review Summary Case 013-CP-92 Thailand July 1993
- AFL-CIO letter to Mr. John Rosenbaum June 14, 1995
- AFL-CIO Petition to the office of the United States Trade Representative June 16,1999
- AFL-CIO Request for the Termination of Thailand’s Eligibility for duty free benefits under GSP
- GSP Subcommittee Rationale for Non-Acceptance of Worker Rights Petition on Thailand August 22, 1988
- Petition to Remove from the List of Eligible Beneficiary Developing Countries Pursuant to 19 USC 2462(d) of the GSP
- Worker Rights Violations Abroad -A submission by the AFL-CIO regarding the GSP June 1, 1987
Uganda
Uzbekistan
- Petition for Review, Pre-hearing brief, and Notice of Intent to Testify Case # 006-CP-08, to William Jackson
- Petition for Review, Pre-Hearing Brief, and Notice of Intent to Testify Case# 003-CP-07; Uzbekistan Country Practice Petition
- Post hearing brief; Case # 004-CP-08; Uzbekistan Country Practice Petition
- Post hearing brief; Case # 004-CP-08; Uzbekistan Country Practice Petition, Letter to William Jackson
- Request for Review of the GSP Status of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Violations of Worker Rights June 21, 2007
- Request for Review of the GSP Status of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Violations of Worker Rights June 22, 2007
- Statement of Laziz Kudratov; GSP Sub-Committee Public Hearing; Case Number 006-CP-08, Uzbekistan; January 24, 2012
Multi-Country Petitions
- Workers’ Rights and Generalize System of Preferences
- Workers’ Rights and the Generalized System of Preferences (1993)
- Notice of Intent to Testify
- Office of the US Trade Rep. 1992
- Office of the US Trade Rep. 1995
- Office of the US Trade Rep. 1996
- Federal Registry 55-No. 165-1990
- Federal Registry 57-No.163-1992
- Federal Registry 58 No 182-1993
- Federal Registry 58 No 208-1993
- Federal Registry 61-1996
- Federal Registry Vol. 50-No. 31-1985
- Federal Registry Vol. 55-No. 29-1990
- Federal Registry Vol 56 No 165-1991
- Federal Registry Vol. 58-No 200-1993
- Federal Registry Vol. 60 No. 36-2004
- Federal Registry Vol. 60-1995
- Federal Registry Vol 64 No 130-1999
- Federal Registry Vol. 65-No-173-2000
- Federal Registry Vol.66 No 7-2001
- Federal Registry Vol 69 No 70-2004
- Federal Registry Vol. 70 No 177-2005
- Federal Registry Vol. 74-2009
- AFL-CIO 1988 (Bruma, CAR, Haiti, Indonesia, Malaysia, Syria, Thailand, Turkey).
- AFL-CIO Introduction on Chile, Indonesia, Korea, Paraguay, Singapore, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey with updates on CAR, Guatemala, Haiti and Zambia.
- AFL-CIO Letter to Jon Rosenbaum on Petition to the USTR on the Basis of Worker Rights Violations in Belarus & Swaziland
- AFL-CIO letter to Mr. John Rosenbaum June 16, 1998 – Cambodia and Guatemala with updates on Belarus, Indonesia, Swaziland and Thailand
- AFL-CIO GSP – Chile, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Paraguay, Singapore, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey/Warnings on Guatemala, Haiti, CAR and Zambia
- American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization June 1987: Chile, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Paraguay, Singapore, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey/Warnings on Guatemala, Haiti, CAR and Zambia.
- American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization June 1987 (Part II): Chile, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Paraguay, Singapore, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey/Warnings on Guatemala, Haiti, CAR and Zambia.
- American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization June 1987 (Part III): Chile, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Paraguay, Singapore, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey/Warnings on Guatemala, Haiti, CAR and Zambia.
- American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization June 1987 (Part IV): Chile, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Paraguay, Singapore, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey/Warnings on Guatemala, Haiti, CAR and Zambia.
- II Decision on country practice 2005
- II. Decisions on Country Practice Petitions in the 2005 GSP
- American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Org. (Cambodia, Guatemala, Belarus, Indonesia, Swaziland and Thailand)
- Decision on CNL waiver 2006
- ILRF-June 16, 1998
- Test, GSP Project, AFL-CIO
Database Links
Strategic Corporate Research
Strategic Corporate Research is a comprehensive set of resources for conducting corporate research and strategic campaigns in the United States and Canada. While it includes links to over 300 websites, it is not just a list of resources but provides both a framework and method for unionists and community activists to look inside the corporate world. It features a number of charts, videos and other resources to assist you with your work.
Cingranelli-Richards (CIRI) Human Rights Dataset
The Cingranelli-Richards (CIRI) Human Rights Dataset contains standards-based quantitative information on government respect for 15 internationally recognized human rights for 195 countries, annually from 1981–2010. The dataset includes a Workers’ Rights indicator, which indicates the extent to which workers enjoy freedom of association rights and other internationally recognized rights at work, including a prohibition on the use of any form of forced or compulsory labor; a minimum age for the employment of children; and acceptable conditions of work with respect to minimum wages, hours of work, and occupational safety and health.
International Labor Organization's (ILO) Measuring Decent Work Resource
Following a Tripartite Meeting of Experts held in September 2008, the ILO’s Governing Body agreed to test a comprehensive approach to the Measurement of Decent Work during 2009 by compiling detailed indicator definitions and preparing decent work country profiles for a limited number of pilot countries.
Globalization and Labor Standards Electronic Bibliographical Library
The electronic library project is directed by Katherine Van Wezel Stone, Professor of Law The UCLA School of Law. The GALS Bibliographic Library contains abstracts of recent law journal articles exploring international labor standards and rights in the global economy. Taken from English language law journals from around the world, GALS provides an annotated bibliography categorized by subject heading.
Information System on International Labour Standards
NORMLEX provides details on International Labour Standards, i.e. on instruments as conventions and recommendations, key documents, information on ratifications and supervision as well as country profiles regarding e.g. national labour law and social security laws.
Database of Conditions of Work and Employment Law
The Database of Conditions of Work and Employment Laws provides a picture of the regulatory environment of working time, minimum wages and maternity protection and contains comprehensive legal information, which allows you to conduct customized research on a specific country.
Employment Protection Legislation Database (EPLex)
EPLex provides information on all the key topics that are regularly examined in national and comparative studies on employment termination legislation.
Campaigns and Information in Support of Global Workers’ Rights
United Students Against Sweatshops current campaigns
The 2013-14 USAS International Solidarity Campaign urges universities to make an addition to their codes of conduct, requiring all of their licensees producing collegiate items in Bangladesh to sign onto the Accord for Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh.
Penn State USAS’s First Op Ed for ‘End Deathtraps’ Campaign in The Daily Collegian, September 26.
AFL-CIO Allies with Student Activist Group as it Rolls Out New Labor Strategy – USAS and AFL alliance
The United Students Against Sweatshops and the AFL-CIO have now formed a formal partnership between the two organizations.
Garment Worker Solidarity
In hard-fought victory, USAS students and workers, acting together with the support of university’s throughout the nation and the world, pressured German sportswear giant Adidas to compensate 2,700 former Indonesian garment workers who produced collegiate apparel at PT Kizone, an Adidas supplier factory. The factory closed down over two years ago. A PT Kizone workers’ press release stated that “the former workers will receive a substantial sum from Adidas” and the settlement will resolve a powerful international campaign over Adidas’s prior refusal to pay $1.8 million in unpaid severance pay.
USAS and the WRC Designated Suppliers Program
USAS is currently partnering with the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), conducting campaigns on campuses across the country to take part in its Designated Suppliers Program. The Worker Rights Consortium is an independent monitoring agency which universities may affiliate. Under the Designated Suppliers Program there is an extremely higher likelihood that products bought by universities will actually be made without the exploitation of workers.
Alta Gracia
USAS is also currently working on Alta Gracia apparel campaigns on many university campuses. Alta Gracia, a factory in the Dominican Republic, is a recent initiative in the collegiate apparel production industry. Once a sweatshop itself, factory employees are now unionized and paid a living-wage. USAS groups working on Alta Gracia campaigns are appealing to their universities to sell Alta Gracia apparel in bookstores and, in fact, include a majority of Alta Gracia products in the apparel section. Alta Gracia products are available in over 450 college and university bookstores throughout the United States.
Campus Worker Justice
USAS chapters across the country are engaged with campaigns to increase just working conditions and union representation for workers on university campuses. The intent is to set a higher standard of working conditions for all workers by starting with the place where students can offer the greatest advocacy, in favor of workers on their own campuses.
Kick Wall Street Off Campus
USAS chapters working on Kick Wall Street Off Campus campaigns are currently asking universities to stop dealing with banks that contribute to prolonging the economic crisis and hurting workers and their families struggling to pay their bills and mortgage payments.
No Sweatshop Pizza on Campus
This is a campaign in which students are supporting the Palermo Workers Union in their fight to win a union at Palermo Villa Inc. that produces frozen pizza sold at several universities and stores such as Costco. The company has taken part in an extreme anti-union campaign as workers seek better working conditions.
HEI Hotel Worker Solidarity
This involves students asking their universities to divest from the hotel company that has persisted in its use of severe anti-union campaigns against its workers.
USAS and workers at Walmart
USAS is also supporting Walmart workers in their fight to form unions and gain fair working conditions and a living-wage.
United States, Regional Distinctions
Minimum-wage.org
Minimum-wage.org provides current information on the minimum wage in the United States.
State Laws on Employment-Related Discrimination
The National Conference of State Legislatures provides a table outlining the various protections against employment-related discrimination for each state.
State and Local Statutes and Regulations
The Society of Human Resource Management provides detailed information tables for state laws on many topics.
“Right to Work” for Less
The AFL-CIO provides a summary of consequences of “Right to Work” laws.
Speaking up for North Carolina’s Tobacco Pickers
Oxfam America explains the extremely unsafe conditions of tobacco pickers in North Carolina, such as susceptibility to Green Tobacco Sickness caused by high levels of nicotine entering the body through the skin.
U.S. Far Behind on Workers’ Rights
An article in Forbes magazine explains that the United States falls behind most countries on workers’ rights standards.
Global social justice initiatives
International Museum of Women (IMOW)
The IMOW strives to inspire creativity, awareness, and action on important global issues that affect women. This includes workers’ rights for women internationally. One of its initiatives, Extraordinary Voices, Extraordinary Change, supports a speaker series held in San Francisco, with video and audio on line; a series of lectures by women from around the world who have made profound and unprecedented political, social and economic changes in the lives of women worldwide. Past speakers include Dolores Huerta, co-founder of United Farm Workers Union and Iranian women’s human rights advocate Mahnaz Afkhami.
Extraordinary Voices, Extraordinary Change
Other workers’ rights campaigns
Fast Food Forward
Fast Food Forward is an initiative underway in New York City brought by workers who are struggling to pay for basic necessities in the fast food industry—an industry that pays CEOs on average in more in one day more than double what workers make in a year. Fast food workers, at places like McDonalds, Burger King, and Taco Bell, are fighting for a living-wage as hard-working people, arguing they should be able to afford basic expenses in return for their efforts. In reality, however, the wages they endure make it impossible to obtain adequate food, childcare, decent housing, and transportation.
OUR Walmart
OUR Walmart is an initiative of Walmart workers and their allies urging the company to respect its workers and to provide an environment supporting dignity in the workplace. This includes paying the workers a living-wage, offering options for affordable healthcare, and recognizing the right of its workers to freedom of association and freedom of speech.
Fight for 15
Fight for 15 is an organization of Chicago fast food and retail workers that are fighting for a minimum wage of $15 per hour. On Thursday, August 29th 2013 Fight for 15 is holding an International Day of Action.
Slow Food
The Slow Food movement was created as an alternative to fast food which links the pleasure of good food with a commitment to community and environment. In regards to workers’ rights, the Slow Food movement strives to improve the food system both at a local level and internationally, which leaves positive effects for workers in the food industry.
Occupy Monsanto
Occupy Monsanto focuses on combating the company Monsanto in reaction to its use of harmful chemicals and genetically modified organisms in the food system. The movement also focuses on the harmful consequences of Monsanto policies in reference to the work of farmers and negative results on workers in associated industries.
Take Back Your Time
Take Back Your Time is an initiative seeking to challenge the epidemic of overwork.
The California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights
The aim of the California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights is to end the exclusion of domestic workers in California from basic labor protections within the state.
Jobs With Justice
Jobs With Justice is an organization seeking to bring together labor unions, student activists, community organizations, and faith-based groups in the fight for justice in the workplace. Their current campaigns include the movement to transform long-term health care in the country, changing the labor practices of Walmart, finding a way to mitigate the detrimental influences of student debt, and protecting workers from exploitation and retaliation in their efforts to organize and stand up for their rights.
Workers rights in Export Processing Zones (EPZ's)
Employment and Social Policy in Respect of Export Processing Zones (EPZs)
The ILO gives a lengthy account of the definition of Export Processing Zones, statistics surrounding their evolution since the 1970s, and policies for the operation of EPZs.
Improving Working Conditions in Philippines EPZs
The International Trade Union Confederation describes the Memorandum of Cooperation on the promotion of freedom of association and full implementation of labor laws and standards in the apparel industry, spurred from a meeting with sportswear brands, the Department of Labor and Employment, unions, and labor rights NGOs in the Philippines.
Haiti: Solidarity with Export Processing Zone Workers
The International Trade Union Confederation and affiliated organizations has condemned the dismissal of union leaders of Haitian factories in Export Processing Zones hours after their unions received recognition from the Labour Ministry.
Export Processing Zones or Exploiting People Zones?
Here, the Ethical Consumer website offers information on export processing zones, including the beneficiaries who support them, the cost of investments, suppression of union activity, details on gender and workers, and changing definitions of EPZs. It also offers details consumers should be aware of on problems associated with EPZs.
Global Policy Forum-Export Processing Zones
The Global Policy Forum offers several links to articles encompassing many negative outcomes of EPZs on their website.
International Treaties and Protocols
International Labour Organization
The International Labour Organization oversees labor standards internationally in a tripartite manner that combines worker, employer, and government input. It allows government bodies to ratify conventions for better labor standards within different realms including child labor, cooperatives, decent work, domestic workers, economic and social development, employment promotion, employment security, equality and discrimination, forced labor, freedom of association, green jobs, HIV/AIDS, industries and sectors, labor law, labor inspection and administration, labor migration, maritime labor, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), rural development, safety and health at work, skills, knowledge, and employability, social security, working conditions, and youth employment.
For information on the full ILO Labor Code, including the NORMLEX – Database on International Labor Standards and NATLEX – database of national labor, social security and related human rights legislation.
For information on ILO protocols relating to child labor, including a description of Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for admission to employment and work, and Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labor.
For ratifications on ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labor, see (C 182) child labor standards ratifications.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
This is a convention in the United Nations that specifies specific human rights given to children worldwide including the right to protection from economic exploitation and the right to education.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
A description of inherent dignity and inalienable human rights designated to every human being worldwide, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was produced by the United Nations. In particular, Article 23 and Article 24 have special relations to workers’ rights.
Article 23
- Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
- Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
- Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
- Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
Article 24
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Globalization and Labor Standards Electronic Bibliographical Library
The electronic library project is directed by Katherine Van Wezel Stone, Professor of Law The UCLA School of Law. The GALS Bibliographic Library contains abstracts of recent law journal articles exploring international labor standards and rights in the global economy. Taken from English language law journals from around the world, GALS provides an annotated bibliography categorized by subject heading.
International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
Produced by the United Nations, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights intends to uphold the rights of all humanity. Particularly, Article 6, Article 7, and Article 8 have direct relation to workers’ rights.
European Commission
The European Commission extends rights to European Union workers that include health and safety at work, equal opportunities for women and men, protection against discrimination, and labor law. Each member of the European Union must have national law that at least covers these criteria.
Protecting Workers' Rights for Specific Groups
Indigenous Workers’ Rights
- Partnership to increase indigenous workers’ rights in Mexico
DePaul University’s International Human Rights Law Institute has partnered with a Mexican NGO, the Centro de Derechos Humanos y Asesoria a Pueblos Indigenas (CEDHAPI), to provide legal training for employers and indigenous workers on labor rights.
- Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) brings attention to indigenous workers
The ACTU has called for government intervention to increase the rights of indigenous workers in Australia. These workers are currently experiencing restrictions on access to employment and decent wages and conditions.
- Inter-American Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
This draft of the Inter-American Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was approved by the Inter American Commission on Human Rights. It includes the rights of indigenous peoples as workers.
- El Salvador: Indigenous migrant workers demand labor rights
Indigenous migrant workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua met to discuss the discrimination of indigenous peoples and formulate a set of demands to improve their situation.
- Bolivia’s Indigenous Workers
This PBS video explains the challenges facing Bolivia’s indigenous workers, especially those that farm coca.
- Indigenous Undocumented Farmworkers Left Out of Health Care Reform
The Affordable Care Act leaves out a huge portion of farmworkers in America, including indigenous undocumented workers.
- The situation of farm workers in Guatemala
Farmworkers in Guatemala, a large proportion being indigenous peoples, work under terrible conditions, even to the point of literal slavery and death.
- Indigenous women workers with case studies from Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Americas
The International Labor Organization (ILO) provides case studies from Bangladesh, Nepal, and nations of Latin America to outline the extreme discrimination and hardships experienced by indigenous women workers in those areas.
Environmental Issues for Workers
- Women and the environment
This United Nations Population Fund article explains how environmental degradation affects women, as citizens and as workers. - Poverty, Pollution and Environmental Racism: Strategies for Building Healthy and Sustainable Communities
Dr. Robert Bullard outlines how certain races and socioeconomic groups are subjected to discrimination in terms of environmental hazards. In the context of workers’ rights, Bullard states that these groups are obliged to work in such environments and handle toxic chemicals. - Environmental damage and human rights abuses blight global tea sector
This article outlines significant negative effects of tea production that lead to both environmental damage and worker’s abuse. - The Indian mining sector: Effects on the environment & FDI Inflows
This article outlines the extreme environmental destruction that occurs due to mining. It also evaluates the surrounding safety issues that affect workers.
Country-specific conditions
Workers’ Rights in Azerbaijan
- Documentary on labor rights in Azerbaijan: Without hands
This is a shocking short documentary that provides a first-hand account of unsafe working conditions in Azerbaijan. It is told by a man who suffered the loss of both his arms while working. - Oil Workers’ Rights Protection Organization
The Oil Workers’ Rights Protection Organization seeks to establish better conditions for workers in Azerbaijan’s oil sector, of which it has been said there has been massive human rights abuses. - U.S. Government Human Rights Report 2010
In regard to workers’ rights, reporters in Azerbaijan have reported cases that exempted workers from many of their rights, the seizure of union dues, the lack of freedom to bargain collectively over wages and working conditions, and the inability of workers to remove themselves from situations they deemed unsafe without jeopardizing their employment. - 2012 Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights
Reported by the International Trade Union Confederation, this report summarized the ILO Core Conventions ratified and violations by Azerbaijan.
Workers’ Rights in Bolivia
- Bolivia’s Indigenous Workers
This PBS documentary focuses on workers’ rights issues faced by indigenous workers in Bolivia, such as in the coca farming industry. - Child Workers of Bolivia, Unite!
The movement of child workers in Bolivia toward unionizing is intended to improve working conditions in a country that has over one million children working for remuneration. - 2012 Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights-Bolivia
The International Trade Union Confederation has compiled this summary of ratified ILO Core Conventions by Bolivia and the state of workers’ rights within the country. - Sex workers call for legalization of sex work in Bolivia
Some Bolivian women are fighting for legalization of sex work and retirement benefits and health insurance for such workers.
Workers' Rights in Cambodia
- When You Build a Small Roof for the Dog” by Julia Wallace
This article focuses on the dangers and abuses occurring in Cambodia’s garment sector including building safety, short contract employment to avoid benefits, and union busting. - Solidarity Center-Cambodia
The Solidarity Center of the AFL-CIO partners with unions and other interested groups in Cambodia with an aim towards better workers’ rights in the country. Here, especially, decades of war and strife have left Cambodia and it people in economic distress. - The UN Refugee Agency- The Global State of Workers’ Rights: Cambodia
This 2010 report suggests that the state of workers’ rights in Cambodia is repressive. Specific examples include poor labor law enforcement, union leader harassment and even murders targeting members of the largest union in the country. Specifically, there is no labor law coverage for teachers. - Monitoring in the Dark: Improving Factory Working Conditions in Cambodia
This study focuses on the problems surrounding the Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) monitoring program, along with the widening use of the program in other countries. Authors of the final report contemplate how the program may be failing garment workers in several countries. - War on Want- Restricted Rights: Migrant Women Workers in Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia
This report provides insight on the appalling conditions women face in Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia, forced to migrate due to both poverty and political oppression.
Workers’ Rights in the Czech Republic
- Labour Law Regulations Valid in the Czech Republic
See this article for brief summaries of the main labor law regulations in the Czech Republic. - National Labour Law Profile: The Czech Republic
International Labor Organization report of the Czech Republic in relation to labor law. - The UN Refugee Agency- The Global State of Workers’ Rights: Czech Republic
This UN agency offers a summary of the state of workers’ rights in the Czech Republic. It states that the Czech Republic’s labor laws are some of the strictest in Europe, that they allow trade unionization and workers may assemble peacefully. - March for Migrants’ Rights in the Czech Republic This short video provides footage on the first march for the rights of migrant workers in the Czech Republic.
Workers’ Rights in El Salvador
- El Salvador has been categorized as having low standards for workers’ rights. The country is considered to have weak labor laws, low protection for freedom of association, legal loopholes for labor laws combined with a failure of the ministry of labor to enforce labor laws. For workers, there are serious obstacles to judicial enforcement of these laws.
- The International Labor Rights Forum has found many labor rights violations in El Salvador including the right to associate, the right to bargain collectively, child labor, wages, hours, and working conditions.
- Human Rights Watch reported physical, psychological, and sexual abuses against women and children domestic workers in El Salvador. These include food deprivation, forced confinement, and trafficking into forced labor.
- Child labor continues in the sugarcane industry in El Salvador, a country supplying sugar to companies such as the Coca Cola Company. Children typically suffer greatly in this type of work, with common injuries coming as a result of the use of machetes and knives to cut the sugarcane.
- The U.S-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) was introduced by President George W. Bush in 2004. This agreement lacks commonplace provisions for the protection of workers. As result, El Salvador has been experiencing several negative effects described here by Human Rights Watch.
- The United States Department of Labor has funded projects to support workers in El Salvador.
- El Salvadorian indigenous peoples have been denied basic labor rights and, as a result, they are increasingly demanding changes from the government.
Workers’ Rights in Greenland
- Chinese Workers—In Greenland?
Greenland is exploiting more of its natural resources and the country’s officials now plan to have more and more Chinese migrant workers move to the island to work at the mining plants. - The Greenland Working Environment Act
The Greenland Working Environment Act outlines the law protecting the rights of workers. - Relaxation of labour rules for large-scale projects in Greenland
Greenland is lowering labor standards for construction surrounding the mining industry in order to attract foreign investment.
Workers’ Rights in India
- It has been reported that India both in law and practice does not uphold basic labor rights including the right to collectively bargain and violations of child labor.
- There is a high prevalence of child labor in the Indian soccer ball industry.
- In 2012, millions of Indian workers went on strike to demand protection of their labor rights and were backed by all eleven major trade unions in the country.
- Unionization in India’s informal sector is much lower than in the formal sector. This leaves ninety percent of India’s workforce at risk greater for exploitation.
- The International Commission for Labor Rights (ICLR) release a report in June 2013 alleging workers’ rights and trade union rights violations at the Mansear plant of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL). Read the June 28, 2013 article by Immanuel Ness via the Labor and Working Class History Association (LAWCHA).
- Indian sex workers strive to be recognized as full workers and to have their rights as workers upheld.
Workers’ Rights in Pakistan
- If You Believe
Documentaries help to educate viewers about the estimated 1.7 million bonded laborers in Pakistan. - Pakistan: Historic victory for workers’ rights and democracy
The Labour Quami Movement (LQM) in the power-loom industry initiated a march demanding that their employers pay the federal minimum wage. Such action spurred government action which resulted in a significant increase in their wages.
Workers’ Rights in Panama
- U.S. Government Human Rights Report 2010
In relation to workers’ rights, reports have been issued stating difficulties surrounding requirements for labor union formation, union intimidation, and complications in the right to strike. There are also widespread minimum wage violations. - U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement
The International Labor Rights Forum provides a summary of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement, including concerns regarding workers’ rights in association with it. - Panama’s Unraveling Democracy: The Social Cost of Martinelli’s Chorizo Law
The Council on Hemispheric Affairs Research Associate, Alexander Brockwehl, offers insights into the severe suppression of workers’ rights in Panama.
Workers’ Rights in Paraguay
- UN Women- Better Working Conditions for Domestic Workers in Paraguay
Domestic workers in Paraguay have faced discriminated against and legally may only receive forty percent of the country’s minimum wage. However, activist groups campaigning around this issue are attempting to raise awareness of the struggles of Paraguay’s domestic workers, many of whom are women living in poverty. - ILO- Paraguay Ratifies the Domestic Workers Convention
On May 7, 2013 Paraguay ratified the Domestic Workers Convention which will legally allow domestic workers additional rights. - UN Refugee Agency- Report on Human Rights Practices in Paraguay for 2012
According to this UN report, women, LGBTA, disabled persons, indigenous persons, people of African descent, and other marginalized groups continue to face workplace discrimination and have extreme trouble finding work.
Workers’ Rights in Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rico’s Public Service Workers Win Back Rights
In May 2011, public service workers were able to win back the right to collectively bargain and negotiate economic aspects of their contracts after such rights were suspended in 2009. - Puerto Rico Workers Protest Privatization
Here is a summary of the battle against the privatization of public sector electricity that Puerto Ricans face due to the commonwealth’s economic troubles. - SEIU protest surround concern over a similar situation ten years earlier.
- Puerto Rican Farm Workers in Connecticut
A sizable population of Puerto Ricans have immigrated to Connecticut, and they work primarily in the agricultural sector. This article outlines their experiences from the late nineteenth century through the 1990s. - Puerto Rican Minimum Wage
This summary states that the Puerto Rican minimum wage is only $4.10/hour, much lower than the federal minimum wage which takes precedent.
Workers’ Rights in South Africa
- Workers’ Rights in South Africa: Does the Ruling ANC Party Represent the People?
The government of South Africa still does not represent the interest of the people, many argue, but rather those of large multi-national companies investing in the country. Workers struggle to make ends meet as a result. - The South African Labour Guide
- The South African Labour guide website provides information regarding labor law in South Africa.
- South Africa: Workers’ Rights are Human Rights.
- This article reflects the perspective of South Africa’s government officials regarding workers’ rights as well as the value South Africans put on May Day and what it represents.
- Ripe with Abuse: Human Rights Conditions in South Africa’s Fruit and Wine Industries
This Human Rights Watch report analyzes the workers’ rights abuses faced by farmers in South Africa producing the country’s renowned wine.
Workers’ Rights in United States Territories
The Northern Mariana Islands
- Capital Crimes: Abramoff, Inc.
This article explains that the Northern Mariana Islands, although officially territories of the United States, are exempt from U.S. minimum wage and immigration laws. Nevertheless, imported workers labor under slave-like conditions in Chinese-owned factories while producing products under the “Made in the U.S.A” label. - Made in the U.S.A.? — Hard Labor on a Pacific Island/A special report.; Saipan Sweatshops Are No American Dream
The New York Times reports on the Saipan sweatshops in the Northern Mariana Islands where popular clothing brands also produce under the “Made in the U.S.A.” label. - Former sweatshop worker from Saipan speaks about conditions
This video captures a first-hand account of the sweatshop conditions experience in Saipan factories.
American Samoa
- American Samoa: Abuses Cited at Apparel Plant that Supplied U.S. Retailers
This article by Steven Greenhouse of the New York Times speaks of the terrible labor rights abuses that have occurred at the Korean Daewoosa factory in the American Samoa.
Workers’ Rights in Uzbekistan
- “Uzbekistan: Forced Labor Widespread in Cotton Harvest”
This Human Rights Watch article provides information about Uzbekistan state authorities forcing its citizens, both adults and older children, to pick cotton during its harvest in response to widespread international attention on the use of small children to do so. - Freedom House Lists Uzbekistan Among Seventeen Worst Countries
Freedom House, a human rights organization, has listed Uzbekistan as one of the 17 least free countries in the world due to its suppression of political dissent and civic activity. - Forced Child Labor in the Cotton Sector
Between 1.5 and 2 million children are forced annually into the cotton fields of Uzbekistan while powerful foreign countries benefit off cotton trading imports. - “Kids Hard at Work in Uzbekistan’s Cotton Fields”
See the included video of small children having to work in Uzbekistan’s cotton fields.
