Sweat Free communities in Salem

The SweatFree Campaign tour came to Salem today, sponsored by Mid Willamette Valley Jobs with Justice and ALIANZA, a Willamette University student organization. Attendees learned much from the two workers on tour with Sweat Free. Elizabeth was long-time garment worker in Honduras, but because of her agitation for better working conditions and for a union, she was fired and is now blacklisted. Rafael is currently a garment worker in Puerto Rico where there are laws on the books about vacation, sick leave, pay and working conditions, but the companies are getting away with not complying. These workers make many uniforms and other clothing for public workers in the United States (including a great deal for the US military) - so our tax dollars are funding the abuse.

In spite of the serious subject there was room for celebration of our solidarity and friendship - the great music by Tito and Samuel played a central role in that.