Sample Letter

This is a copy of the letter that Campaign for Labor Rights sent to the Mexican Embassy in support of the Matamoros workers.

Minister Mario Chacon
Deputy Chief of Mission
Embassy of Mexico
1911 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20006

By telefax: 202 728 1615

Dear Mr. Minister,

I am writing about a matter of serious concern to the Campaign for Labor Rights.

We are a non-governmental organization with a network of approximately 12,000 groups and/or individuals who act in support of workers around the world.

We have just received an emergency appeal from the Centro de Apoyo al Trabajador regarding the threatened closure of the Matamoros Garment Factory in Izucar de Matamoros, Puebla where workers recently exercised their right to form an independent union, the Sindicato Independiente de Trabajadores de la Empresa Matamoros Garment (SITEMAG).

The Matamoros Garment Factory management has apparently notified the workers that they will be closing their plant this coming Thursday, March 20, 2003, which is also the end of the 60 day waiting period for the local Labor Board to notify SITEMAG as to whether its petition for legal recognition would be granted.

We respectfully urge that your government intervene on behalf of the SITEMAG and convey to the proper authorities the need to recognize this duly constituted independent union; to observe the rights and safety of the workers and comply with International Labor Organization principles; and finally, to meet with SITEMAG and CAT representatives toward a fair and just resolution on behalf of your workers and citizens.

With every assurance of our respect, I am

Very truly yours,

Severina Rivera, Esq.
Director
Campaign for Labor Rights