Primary links

WELCOME TO THE ARCHIVE (1994-2014) OF THE MAQUILA SOLIDARITY NETWORK. For current information on our ongoing work on the living wage, women's labour rights, freedom of association, corporate accountability and Bangladesh fire and safety, please visit our new website, launched in October, 2015: www.maquilasolidarity.org

Vaqueros Navarra 2007-2008

MSN worked closely with the independent September 19 union of the Authentic Labour Front (FAT) and the Human and Labour Rights Commission of the Tehuacan Valley (CDHLVT) to help the workers win the right to be represented by an independent union. MSN also called on brands that buy from the Grupo Navarra factories to ensure that their supplier respects the workers’ right to be represented by the union of their choice.

February 1, 2008

Grupo Navarra closes factory to punish workers for joining union

gateVaqueros Navarra workers took to the streets this month as growing evidence suggests their factory was closed to eliminate an independent union.

December 21, 2007

Will September 19 Union Secure its victory at Vaqueros Navarra?

Workers at the Vaqueros Navarra jean factory in Tehuacan, Mexico who voted to be represented by the independent September 19 Union are facing new stumbling blocks as they struggle to secure their victory. MSN and the Union are calling on brands to place new orders with the factory to ensure it reopens after the holiday break. 

November 27, 2007

Independent union wins vote at Vaqueros Navarra

Vaqueros Navarra worker holding sign reading "September 19 is our union"On November 23, workers at the Vaqueros Navarra jean factory in Tehuacan, Mexico stood up to their employer and voted to be represented by an independent union.

November 6, 2007

Tell Tommy Hilfiger, Guess and Dickies: It's time to act

At the Vaqueros Navarra factory in Tehuacan, Mexico, over 100 union supporters have been fired and many more have been harassed and pressured to resign. American Eagle Outfitters, Gap and Warnaco have responded to the workers’ call for action, but three other brands that source apparel from the company have failed to act. It's time for them to step up to the plate.

October 19, 2007

US brands disclose findings of investigation into alleged worker rights abuses at Mexican blue jean factory

An October 18 letter from three major US brands addressed to senior management of the Mexican blue jean manufacturer, Grupo Navarra, verifies worker allegations that the company has been harassing, dismissing and forcing them to sign resignation letters for attempting to form an independent union.

October 18, 2007

Act now: 50 more fired at Vaqueros Navarra this week

Workers at the Vaqueros Navarra blue jean factory in Tehuacan, Puebla, Mexico are fighting for an independent, democratic union. They have been harassed, illegally dismissed, pressured, and threatened. This week, 50 more workers have been fired while local authorities stall attempts to remedy the situation.

October 17, 2007

US brands call on Puebla state authorities to hold free and fair union vote

In response to a request from MSN, six major US apparel brands that buy blue jeans from Mexican jean manufacturer Grupo Navarra are speaking out in favour of the right of workers employed at the Vaqueros Navarra factory in Tehuacan, Mexico to be represented by the union of their free choice.

September 19, 2007

Letter of International Solidarity for the workers of Vaqueros Navarra

On the anniversary of the birth of the September 19 Union, workers at the Vaqueros Navarra factory, members of the September 19 Union, receive a letter of international solidarity with their struggle for decent wages and working conditions.

September 18, 2007

Vaqueros Navarra background

Early this year, the Human and Labour Rights Commission of the Tehuacan Valley contacted MSN about troubling events taking place at the Vaqueros Navarra facility. A series of dismissals had raised alarm amongst workers of a looming closure – just as workers were organizing to demand proper payment of the annual profit-sharing benefit mandated by Mexican law.

August 2, 2007

Tell Puebla State Authorities to Respect Workers’ Rights

In Tehuacan, Puebla, Mexico, leaders of a grassroots movement to win representation by an independent union have been fired and supporters are being harassed and pressured to “voluntarily” resign. Please join MSN in calling on the Puebla state labour authorities to order the immediate reinstatement of fired workers and to hold a free, fair and transparent union representation vote at the earliest opportunity.