New Bedford sweatshop should prompt reforms

 

Monday, March 12, 2007 Springfield Republican

Letters to the Editor

Gov. Deval L. Patrick's concern over the care of the illegal immigrants' children from the raided New Bedford sweatshop is commendable, but misses the bigger issue - a sweatshop existed in his state.

When federal immigration officials raided Michael Bianco Inc., they discovered horrific working conditions similar to the conditions in New England mills over a century ago. The workers are mostly from Central America, a region where so-called "free trade" has eroded local economies and forced people to emigrate for their survival.

Unfortunately, the poor working conditions these workers faced in Massachusetts were not much better than sweatshops in Central America. And what was Michael Bianco, Inc. producing in this sweatshop? Vests and backpacks for the United States military.

The exposé of a sweatshop in Massachusetts demonstrates the need for action. But action should not mean closing down sweatshops and depriving workers of their jobs. Instead, government should require its contractors to improve conditions to meet fair labor standards. Government should require contractors to disclose where their factories are located, the wages workers are paid, and the conditions in which they labor. Businesses that operate sweatshops behind a veil of secrecy should not benefit from public contracts. Our tax dollars should not subsidize sweatshops.

A positive action is for Gov. Patrick to join with Maine Gov. John E. Baldacci of Maine, New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine and Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell in the Governor's Coalition for Sweatfree Procurement and Worker Rights. More information can be found by visiting www.sweatfree.org.

LIANA FOXVOG
Coordinator
Massachusetts Sweatfree Campaign
Florence