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Date of publication: February 16, 2009

Source: ITGLWF Press Release

For immediate release: February 16, 2009

“The widespread and often fraudulent use of temporary employment contracts is damaging Peru’s textile and garment export industry”, President Alan García was warned today.

In a letter to the Peruvian President, Neil Kearney, General Secretary of the Brussels-based International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF) said that while Peru has the opportunity of being a major player in world export markets, its current labour legislation and the way it is being used is making it impossible for international brands and retailers to ensure that their contractual requirements regarding social compliance are met.

“Short-term contracts are denying workers job security and the right to

organise and condemning them to long working hours, low wages, poor

conditions, abusive treatment and limited access to health and pension

coverage as a result of their non-continuous employment”, says Mr.

Kearney.

“At the same time these contracts are condemning the industry to high

turnover rates, a poorly-trained workforce, low productivity, and a

reputation for posing a threat to the image of the brands and retailers

sourcing from Peru. Hardly a recipe for sustainability in difficult

markets!”