Firestone Workers Need Urgent Solidarity!

For over 81 years, the Firestone rubber plantation in Liberia has been characterized by child labor, the abuse of workers' rights and the destruction of the local environment. In Firestone's history in Liberia, workers have been represented by a "company union" which was controlled by Firestone management and did not represent the concerns of workers.

On July 7, 2007, workers had the first free, fair and democratic union elections on the plantation ever. However, Firestone is refusing to recognize new new union leadership and is actively taking steps to undermine them and create divisions among workers. This is a clear union-busting strategy being used by Firestone to avoid having to negotiate with a truly representative union.

For a more comprehensive description of the situation please visit: www.StopFirestone.org/union.htm

Having a democratic and independent union voice is a critical part of workers being able to improve the conditions on the Firestone plantation in Liberia -- called a "gulag of misery" in the legal complaint!

Please send the letter below to show your support for Firestone workers in Liberia.

Tell me more

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am outraged to hear about the situation facing the workers and the community surrounding the Firestone rubber plantation in Liberia.  I believe strongly in the internationally recognized right of Firestone workers to be represented by a democratic and independent union leadership.  I was extremely happy to hear about the first free and fair union elections to ever take place on the plantation in early July of this year.

I am very disappointed that Firestone management refuses to recognize the new union leadership and is actively funding projects to undermine the new officers.  While I recognize that there is currently a legal challenge to the elections, the overwhelming support for the new leaders shows a clear mandate to recognize the new union leadership as the true representative of Firestone workers.

I call on you to: 
*  Immediately cease all attempts to undermine or influence union activities;
*  Recognize the new FAWUL leadership and ensure that workers' dues are delivered to the new leadership; 
*  Cooperate with the new union leadership in negotiating a fair collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in good faith.

I stand in solidarity with the newly elected union leadership and I will continue to speak out on their behalf.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

Take Action on this Issue

Send this message to:

Mr. Dan Adomitis, President of Firestone Natural Rubber
Mr. Mark Emkes, CEO of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.
cc: Firestone

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