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 Perus 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!