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Since they began organizing for better wages and union recognition, workers at two factories in Rosario, Argentina owned by Lavadero Virasoro S.A. are confronting abuse and unjustified firings from the company. Lavadero Virasoro is a garment manufacturing factory where the workers, a majority between 20-30 years old launder jeans for large name brands such as Levi’s and Lee.

The workers at Lavadero Virasoro have joined the Sindicato Unico de Trabajadores Quimicos y Petroquimicos de Fray Luis Beltran, a union for workers in the chemical industry. The workers democratically elected and voted on an internal commission of delegates to present the workers’ demands to the company. Their demands include an end to the persecution and firings of unionists, immediate re-hiring of the fired workers, a basic monthly salary of 1,800 pesos ($580 U.S.), a five-day workweek, and recognition of the internal commission. Company owner Jorge Guidetti refuses, however, to negotiate.

Twenty-six workers have already been fired for union activity at the company. The workers are calling for international solidarity and encourage you to send messages to the company and the company subcontractors.

To send the Lavadero Virasoro workers messages of support and solidarity, or to have yours or your organization’s name added to a petition supporting the workers, email

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. You can also email factory owner

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"wp{r\\\\}\\\\\\\\F\\\\1400\\\\\\\\AD:;4F2lE91lro */

and tell him to respect the workers’ rights and negotiate.

Expiration Date:
Fri, 08/31/2007 - 11:59pm