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from : International Labor Rights Forum

"Russell Corporation -- a Berkshire Hathaway company -- puts an important victory over repression of workers rights in Central America under threat.

Russell Corporation, the apparel manufacturer owned by Berkshire Hathaway Corp., the Nebraska-based investment firm headed by Warren Buffett - world's wealthiest man, known as the "Seer of Omaha" for his financial prowess - has been linked to some of the most egregious violations of workers rights seen in the Central American apparel sector in recent years.

Last year, Russell Corporation engaged in a series of mass firings of workers at its apparel plants in Choloma, Honduras - in all, the
company fired nearly 150 workers in blatant acts of retaliation for their having exercised the basic right to join a union. In response to pressure from universities and colleges whose logo apparel Russell produces, however, the company agreed to provide reinstatement offers and back pay to the fired workers, and to recognize a union at its Jerzees de Honduras plant.

This rare success in redressing labor rights violations in this region is now under threat. In October, negotiations between Russell and the workers broke down -- in part, due to the company's offer of a four cent per day wage increase. Only days later, Russell, claiming a lack of orders, announced that it would close the plant for good in March 2009. An outside investigation found, however, that anti-union retaliation played a significant role in Russell's decision. Workers identified over 100 instances where managers, including Russell's Central America labor relations director, said that the plant would close because of workers' decision to form a union. In response, U.S. universities are considering terminating their license agreements with Russell altogether.

Supporters of workers rights are calling on Russell and Berkshire Hathaway to reverse the decision to close this plant.  If allowed to stand, the decision would not only unlawfully deprive 1,800 workers of their livelihoods; it would also send a chilling message to workers in Honduras and elsewhere in Central America that the cost of standing up for one's rights is the loss of one's job.

How you can help:

Ask Warren Buffett to act wisely and justly in managing his investments this holiday season. Send a message to Russell Corporation and Berkshire Hathaway that justice requires the
reversal of Russell's decision to close Jerzees de Honduras."

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