Giant purchasers like Wal-Mart and the States of Ohio and Michigan should implement policies that protect the rights of workers, rather than abuse them, two sweatshop workers told hundreds of people at events throughout the Midwest during a tour that took them to churches, universities, and union halls in 10 cities. The event was co-sponsored by the International Labor Rights Forum and SweatFree Communities.

“Because the United States imports many products from Costa Rica, I want people here, like consumers and governments, to know that their bananas and pineapples are produced in inhumane conditions with very low wages, in total violation of environmental and labor laws, and causing major health problems and other difficulties in life for the workers in these industries,” said Didier Leiton, who spent 18 years picking pineapples and bananas for Del Monte in Costa Rica. Wal-Mart sells Del Monte products in its stores. “The companies don’t pay enough for us to buy food and support our children’s education. We earn less than the minimum wage.”  

The workers joined human rights and labor organizations in calling on Wal-Mart and Governors Ted Strickland and Jennifer Granholm to address ongoing problems by enforcing policies that require fair wages, a healthy workplace, and a voice on the job. Specifically, the groups invited the Governor to join the emerging State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium, which would stop tax dollar support for sweatshops. The States of Pennsylvania and Maine are currently leading the Consortium effort.

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