Blacklisting of Workers from Former Hanesbrands Collegiate Factory (Honduras)

Please see here a report concerning the WRC’s investigation and remediation of violations of university codes of conduct affecting former workers of the Jasper factory in Honduras, a now-closed facility that was owned by Hanesbrands Incorporated (HBI).
 
Prior to its closure in late 2022, this factory produced collegiate licensed apparel for HBI under the Gear for Sports, Champion, and Knights Apparel brands, which HBI has since sold to Authentic Brands Group (and which the latter has licensed, in turn, to Ames-Watson [Unrivaled Teamwear]).
 
The WRC’s investigation found that after Jasper’s closure HBI illegally blacklisted employees who had been elected leaders of the factory workers’ union. Specifically, the company discriminated against these worker leaders by denying them opportunities for rehiring at another nearby HBI facility—opportunities which HBI did provide to a majority of Jasper’s other former employees.

Following extensive engagement by the WRC with HBI, the company did rehire at its other factory in the area a majority—but not all—of the former worker leaders from Jasper who were still seeking reemployment with HBI. The WRC continued to press for the other worker leaders to be rehired, however, in December 2024, HBI closed its only remaining garment factory in the local area, thereby rendering impossible further rehiring efforts.
 
Moreover, with the sale of its collegiate licensed apparel business, HBI is no longer a university business partner. As a result, HBI is no longer subject to university labor standards—except to the extent it may still be used as a supplier for collegiate apparel sold by other companies.
 
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.