Garment sweatshop scandal in Bulgarian town of Rakovski
Article published from FrogNews.bg on 2008-06-06 11:48:00Category: Society in Rakovski
400 textile workers from the Greek-owned garment factory Intex 99 in the town of Rakovski (near Plovdiv) have gone on strike for higher salaries and better work conditions. This was reported by trade union representative Dimitar Tabakov. The workers, 90% of whom are women, earn less than the minimum wage – around EUR 100 a month without extra pay for overtime.
The majority work 13 hours a day. They do piece work. The factory produces mostly jeans, which are exported to Greece and sold for EUR 120 a pair in luxury boutiques, insiders say. The workers also protest against the inferior work conditions. The workspaces are not equipped with air conditioners and consistent inhalation of particles from the garments may cause emphysema. The Greek owner of the sweatshop refused to sign a collective labor agreement for better work conditions and pay, Tabakov added. This provoked the strike, which now continues three days.
The majority work 13 hours a day. They do piece work. The factory produces mostly jeans, which are exported to Greece and sold for EUR 120 a pair in luxury boutiques, insiders say. The workers also protest against the inferior work conditions. The workspaces are not equipped with air conditioners and consistent inhalation of particles from the garments may cause emphysema. The Greek owner of the sweatshop refused to sign a collective labor agreement for better work conditions and pay, Tabakov added. This provoked the strike, which now continues three days.