Maquila Justice

Working conditions in Guatemala's factories are difficult at best. In these "maquilas," even the most basic workers' rights, such as the ability to take bathroom breaks or arrive late to work to breastfeed babies, are often out of reach.

The formation of the only two unions in Guatemala's garment industry in 2001 marked an important step toward improving labor conditions and empowering workers. Now the unions' very existence and the livelihood of its members are in question, as factory owners fight unionization through factory closure, blacklisting, intimidation and more.

Maquila Justice's mission is to help the unionized workers of Guatemala fight for improved working conditions - through advocacy, civil action and education. Together we can end the injustice of the maquilas.
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Acting in solidarity with the women of Sitracima, the University of Washington students and alumni do what they can as residents of the US to protect the unions. US consumers are very much connected to the situation, as these particular factories supply clothing to US companies Liz Claiborne, Talbots, and Macy's Charter Club. The UW group has been trying to work through these brands to affect the situation in Guatemala, pressuring them through phone calls, protests, and media attention. The goal of the protests is to get the brands to use their clout as customers of the factory to keep the factory open, allowing the women to keep their jobs and the union to continue its existence.

The Workers The Factory The Country The Struggle