Carmencita “Chie” Abad was born in the Philippines, attended Catholic schools, and heard constantly about the glory of America. Enticed by ads for employment in the U.S., she paid $2,000 for a job in Saipan where, by U.S. law since 1976, clothing can be labeled “Made in USA.” She told her story in a CTA conference workshop.
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| Chie Abad |
Glory was promised. But servitude was enforced. Along with women from Vietnam, Bangladesh, China and other countries in Asia, Chie worked 12-hour, seven-day weeks in a poorly ventilated area enclosed by barbed wire. Paid $2.15 per hour, and prohibited from complaining, falling in love, or marrying, the young women lived in cramped, squalid conditions and contracted tuberculosis from the rainwater provided for drinking. Yet high production was demanded by companies such as Sears, Nordstrom, Calvin Klein, and GAP.
With extraordinary courage, Chie agreed to wear a miniscule camera to film a video for ABC’s 20/20 that is now available through Global Exchange (www.globalexchange.org). Thanks to the tireless efforts of those determined to expose sweatshops, and to the growing involvement of American college students, there have been some improvements, but Americans who buy name-brand apparel can contribute to justice by exerting political and economic pressure for the sake of women in Latin America and Asia who need a living wage and humane working conditions.