The Georgia workers say that their resolve is solid and only about seven of the 87 employees have crossed the line. Most of the rest show up every day to gather outside a couple of houses opposite the company gates to show support for their counterparts from California. Like the California workers, they have no pension plan and believe that if the strikers at Vernon win that demand it will benefit all Hollander employees. Their contract expires in March 2002.

"My main reason for honoring the Los Angeles strike is that I've been here 26 years and I have no retirement benefits, no 401(k)," said sewing machine operator Oralee Hill. "That's not right. If we win, even if it's too late to help me much, it will help the younger people in the plant. It's for them, their future. Before, every time we would ask for something in our contract the company lawyer would say 'Los Angeles doesn't have that.'"

Hazel Daniel, who has worked at the plant for 13 years and is also a sewing machine operator, added, "This fight is about respect."

The Tignall workers have received support from many parts of the community. Other UNITE-organized workers from Chipman Union, a nearby hosiery plant, have kept a steady presence, as have workers' relatives and former Hollander workers. Several members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have come by to show their support. The police arrested two of them while they were picketing trucks. Video film showed the police assaulting at least one of those arrested.

Scottie Ferrell, who has worked at Hollander for eight months, said, "This has been the first time there has been anything like this in Wilkes County." He said his wife, who does not work, backs him 100 percent. "She told me, 'Fight for whatever you have to fight for.'"

Another worker said they have also received plenty of material support, including food. The company is trying to run the plant with the handful of line-crossers plus temporary workers.

All of the strikers who have come here from Los Angeles are Latino, while the big majority of the Georgia workers are Black. Many workers commented on this fact, noting proudly that they're all sticking together against the company.

Dean Hazlewood, a textile worker, and Susan LaMont, a garment worker, are both members of UNITE.
 
 
Related article:
Strikers at Hollander Home Fashions win more solidarity  
 
 
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