Announcement from UNITE HERE for rally/city council meeting this Thurs - 11/13

Job Loss/Factory Closing Rally & New Bedford City Council Meeting
New Bedford City Hall 133 William Street
Thursday, November 13, 6pm

Mounting evidence raises fears that Eagle Industries, a local military
apparel manufacturer, may be planning to close its New Bedford facility. This step, if taken, could cost the community 330 jobs. Since purchasing the former Michael Bianco plant last fall, Eagle has repeatedly promised to increase production and create jobs at its local plant.

The company’s actions, however, do not seem to match its words. Eagle has not taken advantage of numerous public funding opportunities and has shipped machinery out of the factory. New Bedford currently has the highest unemployment rate in the state of Massachusetts and has already lost much of its manufacturing base. This community simply cannot afford
to lose another plant.

Now is the time to stand up for New Bedford jobs. New Bedford has a strong tradition of fighting plant closures but with limited success. There’s good reason to hope that this time will be different. Military apparel is a protected industry, meaning that Eagle cannot ship these jobs to the developing world. Further, as a federal contractor, Eagle is subject to meaningful oversight. A labor-friendly administration may not look favorably on a decision to abandon the workers of this community.

A coalition of labor and community activists and local political leaders can play an important role in this effort. Therefore, we ask you to join with us at UNITE HERE! Let’s work together to stop Eagle from being the latest employer to exit this community. Stand up now and we can begin to rebuild a just and equitable manufacturing base in New Bedford.

On November 13, the New Bedford city council will take action to determine Eagle’s future plans for its New Bedford facility. We ask you to attend and join our efforts to save New Bedford jobs.