A tattered, sagging cloth banner reading “Wet Seal Supports Sweat Shops” is all that remains as evidence of the Georgetown Solidarity Committee’s protest against the clothing retailer on Wisconsin Avenue. Last Friday, in a demonstration against the Wet Seal chain’s alleged exploitation of Mexican workers, the student protesters hung a banner, chanted on the street and distributed pamphlets inside the store.
The approximately 20 students were demonstrating in support of workers’ efforts at the Ajalpan factory in Tehuacan, Mexico to form an independent, legal union. Wet Seal is one of several major companies that has its clothing assembled at the plant. “It’s important that people realize that their purchases have an effect,” GSC member Megan Murphy (SFS ‘06) said.
The protest began around 6 p.m. Friday, when several students entered the store and began to place fortune-cookie-sized slips of paper containing worker exploitation information in the pockets of clothing on the racks and shelves. The students then solicited clients in the store to tell them about their problem with the company.
The salespeople and guard at the door did not react to the protest, according to GSC member Jane Li (SFS ‘06) said. The store manager would not comment on Friday’s demonstration.
Meanwhile, two students crept atop the roof of an adjacent building to drop the banner over the facade of a nearby building, while those below chanted various slogans, such as “What’s disgusting? Union busting!”
Most described the reaction on the street as generally positive. “I can’t think of anyone on the street who was smart with us,” said Emil Totonchi (SFS ‘06).
According to Li, Metro Police officers passed by but were relaxed about the protest. “We gave them fliers and talked to them about Mexico,” said Li.
While the reaction at the store on Friday was generally muted, some students were more critical. “The protest itself was ridiculous. They’re just making a useless disturbance,” said Kevin Murphy (CAS ‘07).
GSC members determined that their actions were the best way to send the message to the heads of the corporation because, according to Megan Murphy, workers at the store are required to report such actions to their superiors.
