The embattled workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan export zone and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, are appealing for solidarity. Since February 15, a hundred workers have camped out in the main gates of the Mactan export zone, one of the biggest in the Philippines, after they were locked out. The Alta Mode Workers Union, an affiliate of the Partido ng Manggagawa [Labor Party-Philippines], is demanding that they return to work. The workers have proof that management’s claims of monetary losses are lies. The Alta Mode Workers Union accuses the company of closing the factory in order to bust the union.
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