Factory: Rising Sun Kenya EPZ
Key Buyers: Jones Apparel Group, Steve and Barry’s, University Sportswear
Last Updated: 2007
Case Summary
The WRC’s investigation of Rising Sun documented a number of serious code of conduct violations including, of greatest concern, the mass firing of 1,270 workers in early June 2006 in response to protests by workers regarding working conditions at the factory. The terminated workers were owed substantial terminal compensation and back pay. Despite pressure on the factory from Steve and Barry’s and its customer Rolex Garments, the company through which the Steve and Barry’s orders were placed at Rising Sun, to reinstate the workers, the factory proved unwilling to do so. Discussions then turned to severance. While Rising Sun unfortunately could not be compelled to compensate the workers, Steve and Barry’s did make a contribution of $20,000 towards workers’ severance payments. The WRC encouraged Jones Apparel Group, Rising Sun’s primary customer for years, to contribute as well, but Jones has been unwilling to date to do so.
Read More:
- WRC Preliminary Report – November 13, 2006
- WRC Update on Rising Sun – January 11, 2007
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