Support Ben Davis Workers & " Union Made"!

Information for this alert comes from Sweatshop Watch
Posted June 20, 2004

Since 1935, Ben Davis Inc. has been a unionized employer in the San Francisco Bay area. For years, the company has been famous for producing "Union Made" and "Made in the USA" garments. However, the company's attitude toward its workers has changed as it is now trying to deprive them of the advantages that they currently benefit from.

In October 2003, the workers of Ben Davis Inc. in San Francisco voted to be represented by the garment workers union UNITE. Since November 2003, they have been in contract negotiations with Frank Davis, the owner of Ben Davis, Inc. Almost a year later, his position has not budged.

Workers explained their decision to join UNITE: "We voted for UNITE because we believe we deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity by our employer. Since that time, we have negotiated patiently with the management of Ben Davis in an effort to reach a reasonable contract. However, the Company has done nothing but ask for concessions. They are asking us to pay 50% of our health care costs, and we only have employee coverage and no coverage for our families. In addition, they want to take away our hard earned vacation and regardless of the time that we have been employed, we will all have a maximum of 2 weeks. They also want us to give up 3 holidays and all of our sick days. If we don't agree to these concessions, they have threatened us to take the work out of the U.S.A."

Frank Davis claims that he is obliged to reduce the workers' benefits if he is to remain competitive because the minimum wage in San Francisco has jumped from $6.75 to $8.50 an hour. Although this might indeed be a difficult transition for smaller, struggling employers, Ben Davis can most certainly afford to increase the wages and continue providing the same benefits.

Mr. Davis does not seem to care that the majority of the workers have been loyal employees of the company for about 25 years. He even told the workers that if they do not comply, he will find low wage workers in Mexico, Guatemala or China to take over their jobs.

It is very important that you call or write a letter to Frank Davis expressing your outrage at his irresponsible and selfish behavior. Ask the company to negotiate a fair contract with workers!

Below is a sample letter from which you can compose your own.

Frank Davis, Owner
Ben Davis Inc.
21 Pimentel Ct.
Novato, CA 94949

Dear Mr. Davis:

I recently learned that there has been an impasse in the union contract negotiations with the workers who sew your clothes in San Francisco. Ben Davis work wear is known for being "Union Made" and "Made in the USA." That is why so many people -- many union members themselves -- buy your products. I truly believe that the workers deserve a union and a fair contract. I realize that you have been in negotiations with UNITE since last November. Please resolve this labor dispute as soon as possible; it has dragged on long enough!

I understand that you are a profitable employer. It would be irresponsible of you to slash the employees' health care, vacation days, and/or sick day benefits after their years, some even 25 years, of service and quality work. And, it would be even worse if you moved production offshore, leaving these workers jobless and throwing away your commitment to local union production.

I urge you to ensure the workers receive a fair contract and to continue your commitment to U.S. union-made clothing. Your employees deserve the new minimum wage in San Francisco, and the benefits that they have worked so hard for.

I look forward to your reply to this important matter.

Sincerely,