Philippines: Global brands respond to allegations of union busting at garment factory
Pulido Apparel workers protest outside the factory in San Luis, Batangas in the Philippines (Source: IndustriALL)
Workers at Pulido Apparel Company Inc - a Philippines subsidiary of the U.S based leather gloves and fashion accessories manufacturer, Fownes Bros & Co. - allege that Pulido Apparel has engaged in union busting and has blacklisted union officers and members from its San Luis factory in Batangas. Pulido Apparel supplies global brands including UGG (part of Deckers Brands), North Face and Timberland (both part of VF Corp) and J. Crew.
In December 2018, shortly before collective bargaining was due to take place, Pulido Apparel closed its San Luis factory, blaming financial difficulties. However, less than a month later, Pulido Apparel began to rehire workers at the same factory, while allegedly blacklisting union officers and members. The workers claim the temporary shut down was an attempt to break the workers' union.
In January 2019, workers began a strike to call for the re-instatement of all workers, including activists who have participated in the strike and picket, and for collective bargaining negotiations to take place as soon as possible.
In February 2019, we invited Fownes, Pulido Apparel and the brands to respond. Deckers Brands and VF Corp responded and their responses are included below. Fownes, Pulido Apparel and J. Crew did not respond.