A former worker in the Asian garment industry will discuss her experiences when she speaks to students and community members. The Denison University Fair Trade Alliance group has invited Carmencita "Chie" Abad to describe her personal story as a worker on the Pacific island of Saipan, a U.S. territory. Her talk is set for 7:30 p.m. on Monday (April 2) in Slayter Hall Auditorium and is free and open to the public.

Abad worked for six years, frequently working 14-hour shifts in order to meet production quotas set by the Sako Corporation. Abad was active in the attempt to unionize the workers, which was vigorously opposed by the corporation. The eventual union-certifying election was lost by only five votes, despite the threats of closing the plant and other intense campaigning by Sako.

Abad's work contract was not renewed following the union vote. She took her case to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, where she obtained a preliminary injunction against Sako in federal court in 1998 that prevented them from firing her. In January of 1999, Abad came to the United States and joined the campaign to expose the harsh reality of Saipan to Americans. In September 2002, 26 major retailers settled a class action lawsuit targeting working conditions in Saipan. The landmark settlement provided back wages to workers and created a monitoring system to prevent further abuse.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- The Denison University Fair Trade Alliance group presents Carmencita Abad to describe sweatshop conditions in Saipan; 7:30 p.m., Monday (April 2), Slayter Hall Auditorium (200 North Road). Free and open to the public. Call 740-587-5727 to confirm information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575