Lost contact due to increased intimidation

Since 2012, workers at SC Enterprises have faced ongoing intimidation due to their trade union activities. Conditions inside the factory are grim, with low wages, long working hours and forced underpaid overtime. Due to the high level of intimidation the Clean Clothes Campaign lost contact with the workers on the ground in 2013.

The workers at SC Enterprise started an independent factory-level trade union to address serious violations of their rights. These included intimidation, illegal use of short-term contracts, unpaid wages, forced and underpaid overtime, discrimination against women and the layoff of 42 fellow workers.

Despite many efforts to seek a positive resolution, only small improvements were made. The dismissed workers have not been reinstated; on the contrary, union members have been physically threatened by armed thugs.


Italy gets involved

In July 2012 the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) and the Italian trade union FILCAMS CGIL contacted SC Enterprise's Italian buyer Original Marines. The fashion brand was urged to ensure that its Indonesian supplier acts in accordance with local and international regulations for businesses and human rights. CCC encouraged Original Marines to support the Indonesian Freedom of Association protocol. The protocol is seen as the most advanced and proactive tool to take up responsibility to ensure freedom of association throughout the supply chain. It has already been underwritten by several suppliers, trade unions, and brands such as Adidas, Nike and Puma.

However, at the time of writing (April 2014) direct contact with the workers involved is no longer possible, due to the high level of intimidation these workers face.
The Clean Clothes Campaign is urging Original Marines and the SC Enterprise management to take responsibility, and sign and implement the Freedom of Association protocol. In that way, the companies would show that they are ready to comply with both local laws and international standards.

 

See also:

Outline of trade union rights violations at PT SC Enterprise

Supplier of Original Marines targets CCC supporters instead of improving working conditions