Who owns it
Triumph Trademark
Founded in 1886 by the German families Spiesshofer and Braun. Today, Triumph is the world's largest manufacturer of women's foundation garments, lingerie and swimwear, with more than 30 companies worldwide and a total staff of approximately 30,000. The Asia-Pacific regional operations are coordinated by Triumph International Overseas Ltd, Liechtenstein, which acts as a sub-holding company.
What they produce
Women's foundation garments, lingerie, lady's underwear, swimwear, beachwear, sportswear, leisure wear
Who they produce for
Triumph, Sloggi, HOM, AMO and Valiere brand names
Address
393 Moo 17,
Bangplee Industrial Estate ,
King Amphur, Bangsaothong
Samutprakarn
10540, Thailand
Number of workers
1,500 at the head office in Bangkok
3,500 at Bangplee Industrial Estate in Samut Prakarn
500 at a satellite factory in Nakorn Sawan
Summary of Problems at the Factory
On June 29, 2009 Triumph International announced a layoff of more than 3660 workers, closing down the departments and factories where the unions were strongest. At the same time they were setting up a new factory in the north of the country and hiring only temporary workers. As a response, the union members protested for more than 100 days in front of the factory in Bangkok, where they were completely ignored by the management of the company, and therefore they took their complaints to the Parliament. There were between 300 and 400 workers asking the Prime Minister to accept their petition regarding Triumphs unfair layoffs. With the Prime Minister’s busy schedule they were once again ignored, but continued to protest until they were told that they didn’t have the permission and were violating the law. Three of the union leaders were held by police because they refused to end the protest.
The protest taken to the Ministry of Labor was different; around 200 workers started working at the ministry, sewing bras and underwear at the ministry. Even a Triumph designer and sewing machine technician that got fired, are volunteering to help. By producing their own panties, the workers hope that revenue will help them in their continuing struggle for their labor rights.
As of January 29, 2010, new union elections were held on January 9, 2010. These new officials support the campaign. The fired workers have agreed to follow the OECD complaint rather than initiate legal court-cases.
They are negotiating with the Ministry of Labor to receive new building and machinery for the workers and they are expecting the protest at the Ministry of Labor to end soon.
Unfortunately, the production targets at the factory are the same as before half the workers were let go. There are raised concerns regarding worker safety as two were recently paralyzed due to unsafe working conditions.
Union Information
Triumph International Thailand Labor Union (TITLU)
Communication with Buyers
The Clean Clothes Campaign have done extensive outreach to the buyers. You can see their urgent action alert at www.cleanclothes.org/urgent-actions/leaders-of-peaceful-protest-against-triumph-threatened-with-arrest-in-thailand#action [1]
Demands
- Present full documentation to TITLU and the Triumph workers union in the Philippines, BPMTI, on why Triumph International has opted for the current plan to reduce the workforce in the said factories.
- Restart the process of reduction of the workforce in close co-operation with TITLU and BPMTI and in accordance with current CBA, the ILO-conventions, as well as the OECD guidelines.
Reports and More Information About Factory
- Clean Clothes Campaign Update [2]
- Triumph Thai Sweatshops Latest [3] by No Sweat UK
- Factory Website [4]
- YouTube Video of Workers Protesting [5]