Levi closing North American plants

[Judi Lynn]

Levi closing North American plants
Reuters
Posted September 26, 2003

SAN FRANCISCO, - Struggling blue jeans maker Levi Strauss & Co. said Thursday it would close its remaining North American plants, leaving nearly 2,000 employees out of work and completing its long exit from the U.S. manufacturing business.

The job cuts and plant closures are part of the latest restructuring at the 150-year-old company, which has fallen on hard times as both cheaper discount brands and pricey designer labels have cut deeply into its market.

Earlier this month, Levi Straus, said it would cut 650 jobs and seek waivers from its lenders, while it sought new financing and tried to better compete with lower-price apparel makers.

The company, like many apparel companies, has found it much cheaper to send its production overseas. After it closes its remaining North American plants - in San Antonio, Texas; Edmonton, Alberta; and Stoney Creek, Ontario - it will out-source manufacturing to plants all around the world, many concentrated in Latin America.
(snip/...)

http://www.dailyherald.com/business/business_story.asp?intid=3789066

[izzie]

1. To bad people would not wear these now. But......

No one will give up any thing in this country.

[DemNoir]

2. A lot of the blame here belongs with consumers...

People insist on going to Wall-Mart and saving a few bucks buying imported goods made by slave labor.

[bleedingheart]

3. Its the Something for Nothing syndrome

I won't go to WalMart for that very reason... I am not a big consumer but when I spend my money I try to buy quality products and especially those made here if I can.

[DarkPhenyx]

4. I've always insisted on Levi jeans.

This is most disturbing. Can't blame the company though. They have to do what they can to survive.

[cprise]

7. I think Lee jeans are still in the US

and they're union.

[lazarus]

5. dupe

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=132686

[reprobate]

6. We now see the future of America

This will be a nation of unemployed, underemployed, two and three jobs, starving citizens. Globalization guarantees that the lowest labor costs get the jobs.

As jobs go to other countries their labor costs will rise, and eventually, as our workers settle for lower and lower wages, we will become the labor pool of choice. This will mean no health care, no social security, no workers compensation, etc, etc.

I can see only two things that can stop this trend. First, a banding together of low labor cost nations to guarantee their workers the same benefits that we have historically had. This will be difficult, because the commercial interests alread own a good portion of the judiciary in most countries.

The second possibility, and more likely to be effective, would be a second american revolution, one to restore the rights of citizens and bring commercial interests in check once again, to the point that the founding fathers intended.

Whether this revolution will be peaceful will depend on how much resistance the corporate fascist gov'ts put in it's path.

All in all, I am not encouraged. Just look at the judge shopping that resulted in the 'do not call' list demise.