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The Daily OrangeLabor group urges students to boycott American Eagle
By Ronna M. Weyland
Posted: 9/25/07, 9:52 PM EST Section: News
After what it calls "a successful back-to-school boycott," labor union UNITE HERE is asking students across North America to continue protesting clothing chain American Eagle Outfitters for not standing up to its supplier. The well-known retailer, however, said it is being targeted.
"We are very excited about the outcome and spreading the news," said Alex Dagg, co-director of UNITE HERE. "We are extending through the holiday season and keeping up the pressure on American Eagle. There are a lot of alternate places for people to shop."
When employees in a Canadian warehouse of National Logistics Services, an American Eagle contracted distributor, attempted to join UNITE HERE, NLS allegedly used harassment and intimidation techniques through an anti-union public relations campaign, according to a union press release.
However, American Eagle said it is unaware of any wrongdoings done by the distributor.
"There is no evidence that NLS was in neglect or that the labor code of conduct was violated," said Jani Strand, vice president of public relations for American Eagle, in a phone interview. "We do in fact respect the employees' right to hold a vote, in which they did, and they voted against having a union."
According to American Eagle's Code of Conduct for vendors and contractors, "Vendors and contractors must respect the rights of employees to associate freely, join organizations of their choice and bargain collectively without unlawful interference."
Nell Geiser, campaign researcher for UNITE HERE, said approximately 25 colleges and universities across the United States and six in Canada are participating in the boycott, helping to spread the word through organizations like United Students Against Sweatshops.
"The labor union is spreading the news across campuses and student groups because this is (American Eagle's) target audience," Geiser said.
UNITE HERE, which started the boycott in June, wants American Eagle to enforce its
"We are very excited about the outcome and spreading the news," said Alex Dagg, co-director of UNITE HERE. "We are extending through the holiday season and keeping up the pressure on American Eagle. There are a lot of alternate places for people to shop."
When employees in a Canadian warehouse of National Logistics Services, an American Eagle contracted distributor, attempted to join UNITE HERE, NLS allegedly used harassment and intimidation techniques through an anti-union public relations campaign, according to a union press release.
However, American Eagle said it is unaware of any wrongdoings done by the distributor.
"There is no evidence that NLS was in neglect or that the labor code of conduct was violated," said Jani Strand, vice president of public relations for American Eagle, in a phone interview. "We do in fact respect the employees' right to hold a vote, in which they did, and they voted against having a union."
According to American Eagle's Code of Conduct for vendors and contractors, "Vendors and contractors must respect the rights of employees to associate freely, join organizations of their choice and bargain collectively without unlawful interference."
Nell Geiser, campaign researcher for UNITE HERE, said approximately 25 colleges and universities across the United States and six in Canada are participating in the boycott, helping to spread the word through organizations like United Students Against Sweatshops.
"The labor union is spreading the news across campuses and student groups because this is (American Eagle's) target audience," Geiser said.
UNITE HERE, which started the boycott in June, wants American Eagle to enforce its
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