Toxic Uniforms

Publication Date:

December 10, 2009

Author:

SweatFree Communities

“Made in USA” requirements provide little insurance against poor working conditions and low wages, according to a new report by SweatFree Communities released today, International Human Rights Day.

The new report, Toxic Uniforms: Behind the ‘Made in USA’ Label, exposes poor working conditions at nine government contractor factories including poverty level wages, pressure on the job, poor benefits, health and safety problems, and discrimination. Nine of the factories are sole suppliers to Propper International and one (recently shuttered) was a sole supplier to Eagle Industries, held by parent company Alliant Techsystems (ATK). Propper International is the largest manufacturer of soldiers’ uniforms for the U.S. Army. Eagle has supplied the federal government and New York State. While outsourcing of jobs is prevalent in the cut-and-sew industry, as Department of Defense contractors, Eagle and Propper are required to produce in the U.S. or its territories under the Berry Amendment. However, as the new report shows, workers in Massachusetts and Puerto Rico, who manufacture goods purchased with our tax dollars, are far from immune from abusive working conditions.

Order print copies

Print copies (color cover, black & white inside) are $10 each, including shipping. For 5 copies or more, $5 each. To order send a check to SweatFree Communities, 2 Conz St, Suite 2B, Northampton, MA 01060, specifying the number of copies requested and mailing address. Contact liana(at)sweatfree(dot)org or 413-586-0974 with inquiries.