Labor group urges students to boycott American Eagle

After what it calls "a successful back-to-school boycott," labor union UNITE HERE is asking students across North America to continue protesting clothing chain American Eagle Outfitters for not standing up to its supplier. The well-known retailer, however, said it is being targeted.

"We are very excited about the outcome and spreading the news," said Alex Dagg, co-director of UNITE HERE. "We are extending through the holiday season and keeping up the pressure on American Eagle. There are a lot of alternate places for people to shop."

When employees in a Canadian warehouse of National Logistics Services, an American Eagle contracted distributor, attempted to join UNITE HERE, NLS allegedly used harassment and intimidation techniques through an anti-union public relations campaign, according to a union press release.

However, American Eagle said it is unaware of any wrongdoings done by the distributor.

"There is no evidence that NLS was in neglect or that the labor code of conduct was violated," said Jani Strand, vice president of public relations for American Eagle, in a phone interview. "We do in fact respect the employees' right to hold a vote, in which they did, and they voted against having a union."

According to American Eagle's Code of Conduct for vendors and contractors, "Vendors and contractors must respect the rights of employees to associate freely, join organizations of their choice and bargain collectively without unlawful interference."

Nell Geiser, campaign researcher for UNITE HERE, said approximately 25 colleges and universities across the United States and six in Canada are participating in the boycott, helping to spread the word through organizations like United Students Against Sweatshops.

"The labor union is spreading the news across campuses and student groups because this is (American Eagle's) target audience," Geiser said.

UNITE HERE, which started the boycott in June, wants American Eagle to enforce its

Code of Conduct and hold NLS responsible, she said.

"We know that American Eagle is paying attention," Dagg said. "But until they take action to enforce their Code of Conduct and hold NLS accountable, the boycott will continue."

According to American Eagle's global labor compliance, the company is committed to using only the most efficient suppliers.

We require our suppliers to provide a workplace environment that not only meets basic human rights standards, but also one that complies with all local legal requirements and encourages opportunity for all, with dignity and respect," the compliance states. "We have severed business relationships in cases where the manufacturing facility is unable or unwilling to meet our minimum standards."

But Dagg doesn't think so.

"They say it isn't their business, they say it isn't their problem," Dagg said. "They are a multi-national global retailer, and if they have a Code of Conduct and say they are a good public company, then it is time they put action behind their words."

However, Strand, of American Eagle, said she believes the company is upholding its Code of Conduct and said American Eagle is being targeted because it has the highest profile of all the companies NLS handles. Other companies it distributes for include Polo by Ralph Lauren and Timberland.

"NLS employees voted against unionizing with a unanimous vote," Strand said. "UNITE HERE has already filed a complaint with the Ontario Labor Relations Board, and it would be very inappropriate for American Eagle to intervene at this point."

UNITE HERE represented workers from Cintas Corp. earlier in the year after an accident caused the death of an employee, due to improper guards on the machines. As a result, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a $2.78 million fine to the uniform provider.