Get Your Super Bowl Fan Jerseys, Courtesy of Abused Women

by Alex DiBranco · 2011-02-03 08:55:00 UTC
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In near 100 degree heat, with only contaminated drinking water nearby, women work 60-hour weeks sewing the NFL fan jerseys sold across the nation in preparation for the big day: Super Bowl Sunday. Fired for complaining, abused for existing, these El Salvadorean sweatshop workers see little of the $25 a pop you shell out to display team pride. How little? Try eight cents a shirt.

The clothing they make at Ocean Sky Factory is for familiar brands: NFL, Reebok, Puma, Old Navy (GAP), Columbia, Talbots, and Penguin (Munsingwear). GAP, you might remember, was also the biggest buyer of garments from a Bangladeshi factory where a couple dozen exploited workers died in a fire — one that could have easily been prevented with adequate safety measures — and GAP, alongside the other brands who sourced from that factory, gave in to Change.org members' demands for safety protocols and compensation for injured workers and families of the deceased. It's time for tens of thousands of concerned Change.orgers to rally once again.

These forced labor- and exploitation-tainted jerseys even imported duty-free to the United States, despite the blatant mistreatment of workers. Yet still, the profits only accrue to the big companies, not to the workers slaving away for pennies. And the National Labor Committee isn't okay with this. They're asking you to sign their petition demanding that these companies take action to investigate the exploitation of workers and put a stop to this violation of international law.

So before you watch the big game, take a minute to demand that the NFL jersey you proudly don doesn't come at the expense of workers rights and health. Whoever wins the game on Sunday, hard-working women shouldn't come out losers.

Photo credit: Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights

GOT A TIP FOR US? Is there a story or campaign in your area that we'd want to know about? E-mail us at womensrightstips@change.org. Please also follow Change.org's Women's Rights page on Facebook and Twitter.

Alex DiBranco is a Change.org Editor who has worked for the Nation, Political Research Associates, and the Center for American Progress. She is now based in New York City.

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