La Senza linked to workers’ rights
violations in Thailand

A second Canadian retailer, La Senza, has been accused of having its lingerie made at the Gina Form Bra Company in Bangkok, Thailand, where serious violations of workers’ rights continue.

This is the same factory where Boutique Jacob products were being manufactured in September/October , 2002.

A human rights group called the Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) says it received copies of Jacob and La Senza labels from activists in Thailand, confirming that lingerie products are being made by workers at the Gina Form Bra factory.

According to MSN and union officials in Thailand, the Gina Form Bra Company has engaged in unjust lay-offs and firings of union members and executive committee members.

They have also falsely accused workers of gambling and sexual impropriety, forged workers’ signatures, and conducted heavy surveillance and an intimidation campaign against active union members.

As of February 12, 2003, Boutique Jacob President Joseph Basmaji had not yet responded to an MSN letter regarding his company’s involvement with Gina Form Bra Company.

The factory, which is certified under the Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP) certification program, has contravened the rulings of both the Thai Labour Relations Committee and the National Human Rights Commission.

The latter stated that the company’s actions violate human rights and contravene sections of the country’s Labour Relations Act (1975).

The WRAP factory certification program has a weak code of conduct and does not require public reporting on certified factories or results of audits. As a result, WRAP factory certifications have little credibility with human rights and labour rights advocates in Thailand or internationally. MSN is requesting that Canadian consumers write to La Senza and urge the company to ensure that workers’ rights to freedom of association is respected at the Gina Form Bra Company.

Letters can be sent to: Irving Teitelbaum, President, La Senza Corporation Fax: 514 421 0381 E-mail: dpickering@suzyshier.ca