Russell Update

October 28, 2009

Dear Colleagues,

I wanted to give you a brief update on the Russell Athletic case.

As you know, discussions between Russell and the union representing the workers of Jerzees de Honduras have been ongoing for several months. This process, which involves phone and email communications as well as face-to-face meetings, is continuing. In addition to helping facilitate the discussions between the union and the company, the WRC has been in ongoing, separate communication with Russell on code of conduct and remediation issues. The WRC met most recently with Russell yesterday, October 28.

A commitment to confidentiality on the part of the union and the company precludes us from sharing information about, and commenting on, the substance of the discussions between the parties. I can say that we remain hopeful of a positive outcome and that we have, in our communications with Russell, continued to urge the company to agree to all necessary remedial steps.

The WRC is also continuing to monitor the situation of the affected workers on the ground and we will maintain this effort going forward.

We will report to you on the outcome of the ongoing discussions as soon as it is appropriate to do so. We appreciate the continued concern and interest of our affiliate universities in this important case.

Best,

Scott

Scott Nova
Worker Rights Consortium
5 Thomas Circle NW
Washington DC 20005
ph 202 387 4884
fax 202 387 3292
[email protected]
www.workersrights.org