Menderes Tekstil
Signa la carta dirigida a IKEA
Dear Sir,
re.: Menderes Tekstil, Turkey; supply chain; ethical code of conduct.
I am writing to you to express my deep concerns about the working conditions labour-rights situation at one of your suppliers in Turkey, Menderes Tekstil. I understand from the Clean Clothes Campaign that the factory’s workers are being denied the right to associate themselves into a workers’ union, and that the factory management dismisses, transfers and harasses employees who support the workers’ union.
I also read reports that the working conditions at the factory are unacceptably dangerous and harmful, leading to the death of four of Menderes' workers. All this in violation of Turkish law, international labour standards as per the ILO, and your own suppliers code of conduct.
I have been informed by the CCC that their efforts to address these urgent matters with you met with a refusal from your side to take swift and effective action to remedy the situation.
I also learned that IKEA commissioned an audit into the labour conditions at Menderes Tekstil, and concluded that there are no major labour problems at the factory. Although the CCC was never given a chance to view the audit report, the campaign has in the past raised serious concerns about the use of industry-commissioned audit reports that often lead to biased conclusions.
As a consumer and one of your potential clients, I am concerned about the working conditions surrounding the production of the goods you sell. I urge you to take up your supply-chain responsibilities seriously, and to demand from Menderes Tekstil:
- reinstatement with compensations and pay-back of salary arrears where appropriate for those workers who are currently engaged in court proceedings against Menderes Tekstil following their dismissal due to unionisation;
- acknowledgement of TEKSIF as a legitimate union at your factory and to recognize their right to represent their members in factory matters, and to provide all workers with a guarantee that the company will respect their rights to organise and to bargain collectively.
- involvement of TEKSIF in the discussions around the company’s restructuring plans and the criteria for necessary dismissals.
- review of occupational health and safety measures at both factory plants, as well as a review of certain disciplinary and grievance handling mechanisms;
In addition to these demands towards the management of the Menderes factory, I urge IKEA to take up the moral commitment it makes in its IWAY code of conduct and not to diminish or lessen orders at Menderes just because of the labour-related problems there. Reduced production or even a closing down of the Menderes factory is not in anybody's interest, and a ”cut-and-run” scenario would not reflect favourably on IKEA's social responsibility profile.
Yours sincerely,
carta-castellano-IKEA.pdf (33.509 KB)
md5 checksum: 8ba1b25c624356ba6485d4bed3345aee
© CRL Campaña Ropa Limpia 
