Write a letter to Firestone about the new contract in Liberia!

After 82 years of exploitation, workers on Firestone's rubber plantation in Liberia have finally signed a new collective bargaining agreement with company management. It has been a long struggle for workers to achieve independent and democratically elected union leadership and for the first time, they have a contract which was negotiated by a representative union. This is a major step forward for workers who have been living and working in deplorable conditions for generations.

Please send an e-mail to Firestone Natural Rubber Company CEO Dan Adomitis and Bridgestone Americas CEO Mark Emkes to let them know that you are happy to see that workers have a real contract and that you will be watching Firestone's actions closely!

For more information, please visit www.StopFirestone.org.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: A Big Step for Liberian Workers

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am happy to hear that the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL) has signed a new contract with Firestone. As you know, it was a long struggle for workers to achieve democratic and independent representation on the Firestone rubber plantation.

This is a huge step forward for workers in Liberia and I am looking forward to a new day on the Firestone plantation.

I hope that you will quickly implement the commitments in the collective bargaining agreement and go even further to improve working and living conditions for workers and to stop environmental pollution on your rubber plantation.

I will continue to watch the implementation of the new contract closely and am ready to take action in solidarity with the workers in Liberia if neccessary.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
August 06, 2008

Background Information

After 82 years of exploitation, workers on Firestone's rubber plantation in Liberia have finally signed a new collective bargaining agreement with company management. It has been a long struggle for workers to achieve independent and democratically elected union leadership and for the first time, they have a contract which was bargained by a representative union. This is a major step forward for workers who have been living and working in deplorable conditions for generations.

While celebrating this important victory, we will be watching closely to ensure that Firestone follows through with their commitments and makes real improvements on their plantation. Please stay engaged and alert as we enter a new phase of the Stop Firestone campaign.

Please send an e-mail to Firestone Natural Rubber Company CEO Dan Adomitis and Bridgestone Americas CEO Mark Emkes to let them know that you are happy to finally see that workers have a real contract, but that you are ready to take action in solidarity with the workers in Liberia if the company does not follow through with their commitments!

For more information about the abuses on the Firestone plantation and the long struggle of workers and their families as well as other ways to take action, please visit www.StopFirestone.org.