Labour Justice for Maquila Workers in La Laguna

Labor Justice for Maquila Workers in La Laguna

Results to date October, 2007

Today, maquila workers face important challenges regarding their labor rights. The industry is characterized by: low salaries (generally between US$ 15 and US$ 50 per week); low or non existent benefits; short term contracts; precarious hygiene and security conditions; discrimination and sexual harassment; unjustified dismissal without compensation; unpaid overtime; and repression of independent unions. The current crisis affecting the maquila industry, especially the restructuring of the textile and garment sectors which have been traditionally important centers of employment for women, has further complicated the panorama. The growing number of closures of factories as international brands and investors shift production to countries with lower labour costs is resulting in high rates of unemployment, a pressure to reduce salaries and working conditions of those remaining employed in the formal sector, and an increase in outsourcing to small workshops and home-based workers. At the same time, the auto-parts sector is opening an increasing number of maquiladoras in Mexico. However in this sector, working conditions are not necessarily better and there is a need for NGO’s and workers groups to think in different and innovative ways to better address the issue of working conditions within this developing industry.

Despite this panorama, since it started in December 2006, this project has had important achievements:

- From January to March 2007, 50 home visits to maquila workers were carried out in order to invite them to participate in the trainings and workshops. - To the date, 2 “Labor Rights” workshops have been held with maquila workers. - 20 workers know their labor rights and promote them among their colleagues. - 1000 pamphlets with information about labor rights have been handled in to maquila workers. - A conference on sexual harassment in the workplace was held with maquila workers, NGOs’ representatives and labor authorities. - Project leaders have participated in trainings and workshops with Semillas in order to strengthen their own capacities.