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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202- 219-8211.
U.S. Labor Secretary Robert B. Reich said today he has
sent formal invitations to more than 20 of the nation's largest stores seeking
a meeting in New York next month to discuss their role in stemming the abuse of
workers in the garment industry.
"Recent events make it all the more clear that new
initiatives by the industry are needed to crack down on worker abuse," Reich
said. "I look forward to developing new measures that will protect workers
while also protecting consumers and retailers from unknowingly purchasing goods
produced illegally."
Reich said the meeting with retailers, originally planned
for Sept. 7, will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at the Fashion Institute of
Technology in New York. Reich said the brief postponement accommodated a
request by major retailers. Retailers have advised the department that the
brief postponement would better allow them to ensure appropriate high-level
representation at the summit meeting.
Reich has asked the retailers to bring their ideas about
how the industry can contribute meaningfully to stemming abuse of garment
workers.
"I know the nation's retailers share our outrage that
merchandise produced by slave labor finds its way into our malls and department
stores," Reich said. "With the leadership of the nation's retail community
dedicated to helping eliminate labor law abuses, we believe we can make a
difference in the lives of thousands of workers."
Retailers invited to the summit in New York are J.C.
Penney, Foley's Petite, Macy's West, Meier & Frank, Robinson's May,
Hecht's, Filene's, Kaufman's, Neiman Marcus, Dayton Hudson, Mervyn's, Broadway,
Rich's, Specialty Retailers Inc., Montgomery Ward, Sears, Fred Meyer, Venture
and Lerners.
In addition to the retailers, representatives from the
National Retail Federation and the International Mass Retailers Association
have been invited to attend. These trade groups represent the nation's largest
retailers.
In addition to the retailers, representatives from the
National Retail Federation and the International Mass Retailers Association
have been invited to attend. These trade groups represent the nation's largest
retailers.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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