Hanesbrands

In October 2006, MSN was contacted by our colleagues at SEDEPAC, a member of the Espacio based in the state of Coahuila, Mexico, concerning the imminent closure of a Hanesbrands factory in the city of Monclova. MSN and SEDEPAC have been working to ensure that workers receive full severance and health benefits, and are tracking the company’s plans for other factories in Mexico.

Gildan Activewear

Gildan Activewear is a Montreal-based manufacturer of t-shirts, socks and underwear. Starting in 2003, MSN led a campaign concerning a pattern of violations of freedom of association at Gildan Activewear's El Progreso factory in Honduras. Grassroots campaigns targeting Gildan Activewear in Canada and the United States succeeded in pressuring Gildan to agree to a corrective action plan and MSN suspended the Gildan campaign in January, 2005.

Gina Form Bra campaign, Fall 2006

Gina Form Bra factory workers in Bangkok, Thailand, fought to keep their unionized factory open after receiving word in early September 2006 that the owner was going to close the factory and shift orders to China or Cambodia. International brands including Warnaco, La Senza, Victoria's Secret and others bought apparel from the company. With the help of international organizations including the Maquila Solidarity Network, the workers were able to win a substantial severance package well above the norm in Thailand.

Free Martin Barrios Campaign 2006

On December 29, 2005, Martin Barrios Hernández, President of the Mexican Human and Labour Rights Commission of the Tehuacan Valley, was arrested by the intelligence division of the Puebla state police and transported from his home city of Tehuacan to the state capital of Puebla where he was held in state prison. The Maquila Solidarity Network immediately launched an international campaign to win his release from jail and protect him from further harassment and intimidation.