Tell the NFL & Firestone to Stop Foul Play in Liberia: Take Action NOW!
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Since 1926, Bridgestone Firestone has operated the world’s largest rubber plantation in Harbel, Liberia. Workers on the plantation have long faced incredibly poor living and working conditions. Firestone rubber tappers live in crowded shacks without running water, electricity or indoor latrines and are required to meet an unreasonably high production quota in order to receive their meager pay.
After a long struggle, workers finally held the first free and fair union election and signed their first contract negotiated by a democratically elected and independent union leadership in August 2008. The agreement was a major step forward in the long struggle of workers to protect their rights. However, since the time the agreement was signed, Firestone management has failed to implement many of the important improvements in the new contract.
For example, the new contract reduced the size of the production quota, but many workers throughout the plantation report that they are still being forced to produce at the old quota level which means they must hire subcontractors or use the labor of their family members in order to finish their work and be paid. Firestone has also not fully implemented health and safety improvements in the new contract and has not provided transportation for all of the children on the plantation to access schools as the contract says they should.
For more information about the struggle of workers on the Firestone plantation to form a democratic and independent union, check out this video.
For more information about Bridgestone Firestone’s marketing partnership with the NFL, please click here.
4 Comments, Comment or Ping
Guy S Tozer
Stop the abuses now!! How do you people sleep at night, knowing that many thousands of your slaves, are treated like animals? Your CEO incomes make me sick. I for one will never buy a firestone tire again.
Feb 7th, 2009
Uzoma Okoro
I am a Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager working in Caifornia, USA. I am appauled by the unethical business practices of Firestone and its affiliates. It is discraceful that their increase in profit has to go hand in hand with their decrease in ethical behavior. Fair compenstation for workers is a staple of American pride and business. It is unfortunate to see that their patriotism stops at the eastern seaboard. I am going to use whatever resources that are in my power to help rectify this injustice and make Firestone accountable for its employees; no matter where they live.
Uzoma Okoro
Mechancial Engineer
Project Manager
P: 916.533.4008
E: uzomaokoro@gmail.com
Feb 13th, 2009
veronica
I am disgust at the unfair treatment of the Liberian citizens by those claiming to be helping to rebuild Liberia. Firestone and its policies are unethical and immoral, as if the war poverty unemployment and down right suffering of the Liberian people aren’t enough, yet still Firestone and its president are ruthless in their search for money.This is a crime against humanity and should be stopped.
Mar 4th, 2009
Wilkie
I can not believe that world does act against Firestone and there crimes against humanity and the environment.
Is it because they can not be bothered or that they are kept away from the truth?
Mar 26th, 2009
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