Background on the Lighthouse Campaign

Contents:

• Workers Dismissed
• Written in Blood
• More Pressure
• Victory

Workers Dismissed
This struggle began in October 2001 with the dismissal of 600 workers (out of a total workforce of 1400), and the slashing of benefits and wages for the remaining workforce -- wages for the remaining workers were cut by 25% to $3.60 per day.

On 29 April 2002, the workers' wages and benefits were again cut-back. The company informed Light House union leaders that the tragedy of September 11 caused a drastic reduction in orders from the U.S. to the plant. The company claimed they had to reduce costs by laying-off workers. They then asked them to re-apply to the factory - when the workers were "re-hired," they received a lower wage and no union benefits. The workers complied with this process out of the fear of losing their jobs altogether.

Then, in June 2002, the company fired all 20 elected union representatives at the plant. When 849 workers held a work stoppage to protest, all were immediately fired.

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Written in Blood
On 16 July, over 200 protesting workers from the Light House Labour Union in Thailand presented a letter written in their own blood to the Thai parliament in protest of events at the Light House production plant. The Light House workers produce luggage that is sold in the U.S. and around the world by the Samsonite Corporation.

Their letter stated that, "We, Light House workers, sacrificed our blood to write this letter, revealing our genuine will and our suffering from savage exploitation."

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More Pressure
Light House workers continued their struggle with round-the-clock demonstrations outside the factory.

The Campaign for Labor Rights actively supported the workers' struggle by mobilizing our grassroots base to write letters to Samsonite (and also to Ricardo of Beverly Hills and Atlantic Luggage) in support of the Light House workers.

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Victory
On September 16, 2002, twenty-four workers won the long fight and returned to their jobs at the Light House plant in Thailand. Their reinstatement is part of a settlement reached on September 13, which provided assurances that the company will not "interfere with trade union activities."

This victory was won through the courage of the Thai workers and assisted by organizations such as the Campaign for Labor Rights that provided support for the workers in their struggle. It helps prove that U.S. corporations can not freely roam the world looking for the cheapest deal.

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