Update: State officials try to pacify H&H workers… Not happening.

Yesterday we reported about the ongoing strike at H&H Textiles in Carrefour, Haiti, led by the union SOTA-BO. (Click here to read that past update for more info.)

Workers are rightfully fed up. They struggle to exist on misery wages, and are constantly harassed, intimidated and physically attacked for asserting their right to organize.

Their demands are:

  1. Fire the brutal production manager, Mrs. Khan
  2. Respect the right to organize
  3. Increase the minimum wage from 350 Gourdes/day to 800 Gourdes/day

For the past several days, the factory has been shut down due to the strike, and workers have been locked out.

We received further updates to share:

Wed 4/12/17:

Late Wednesday, Minister of Social Affairs, Roosevelt Bellevue, came to H&H Textiles factory. He spent a lot of time with management, and did not bother to hear the workers’ grievances.

Instead, he announced to them that the factory would open the following day (Thurs, 4/13/17), and that whoever wanted to enter to go to work would be free to enter. For everyone else who does not return to work, measures will be taken. He announced that the police would be present.

The workers agreed that they are determined to continue the strike.

Thurs 4/13/17:

SOTA-BO & H&H workers continue the strike and demonstration outside the factory.

Roosevelt Bellevue, Minister of Social Affairs attempted to speak to the workers and to convince them to give up, let go of their demands, and return to their miserable work conditions.

In the video below Roosevelt Bellevue says, “The bosses need you and you need the bosses.” In response, a worker shouts, “The boss only needs our labor power!” Meaning, the bosses could care less about us, they only want us to exploit us.

The below leaflet was also circulated and given to the minister of social affairs. It reads, “We do not want Khan. She must go!”

img-20170413-wa0002

No agreement was reached and the strike continues on.

Workers will likely face sever repression from the police and/or CIMO, the Haitian equivalent to the SWAT team.

These workers are determined, fierce and brave.  But, they are also hungry, and funds to continue the strike are low.

Here are ways you can help:

* We’re working on a way to receive online donations, but don’t have 501(c)3 status.

1. Send a wire transfer donation directly to Batay Ouvriye towards the strike fund.

Account’s name:
ENTESENDIKAL PREMYE ME BATAY OUVRIYE

Account No.:
45-1100-989-8

Bank’s name:
SOGEBANK S.A. Route de Delmas, Port-au-Prince, Haiti (509) 2815 5595

Swift Code for Sogebank:
SOGHHTPP

Corresponding banks in the US:
BANK OF AMERICA/MERRILL LYNCH, New York, N.Y. USA
Swift Code: BOFAUS3N
Or
Bank of New York Mellon, New York, USA
Swift Code: IRVTUS3N


2. Mail Checks to:
Frantz Wainwright*
35 NW 195 ST
Miami, FL 33169
* Please write check out to Frantz Wainwright & note SOTA-BO Strike Fund.


3. Email the RRN
if you’re in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area, and you’d like to send cash to be wired to Haiti – RRNsolidarity@gmail.com.


4.
Follow, Like & Subscribe to the RRN for ongoing updates and campaigns to support independent and autonomous workers’ struggles.

Twitter:  @RRNsolidarity

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RapidResponseNetwork/

Newsletter/updates sign up:  http://goo.gl/Me35SH


Thank you for your solidarity!

#RRNsolidarity
#RightToOrganize
#800Gourdes
#DownwithMrsKhan

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