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Garment workers at the Vaqueros Navarra factory in Tehuacan, Puebla, Mexico have faced firings, verbal harassment, and pressures to quit as a response to organizing efforts. The workers are active in a grassroots movement to organize an independent union.

Vaqueros Navarra, which manufactures blue jeans, is one of the largest garment factories owned by Grupo Navarro in the state of Puebla. The factory produces more than 30 brands that are exported to the U.S. market. In response to the company’s imposition of an “official union,” workers at Vaqueros Navarra formed the September 19 Union, which is affiliated with the Authentic Labor Front (FAT.) Supporters of the September 19 Union filed a petition on July 10 with the Local Conciliation and Arbitration Board (JCLA) to replace the company-run union.

The workers of Vaqueros Navarra are demanding that workers who were fired for organizing be re-hired, that the company refrain from any further harassment and intimidation of workers, and that local authorities set up a secret ballot vote in the Tehuacan facilities.

You can show solidarity with the September 19 Union by sending an online letter to the governor of Puebla, Mario Marin Torres, at Maquila Solidarity Network. You can also fax the governor’s office at 52-222-213-88-05 or mail a letter to his office at: Casa Aguayo, 14 Ote. #1204, Barrio El Alto, Puebla, Pue. .CP. 72000-Mexico.

Additionally, you can contact the president of the Local Conciliation and Arbitration Board,

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Expiration Date:
Sun, 09/30/2007 - 11:59pm