10 years ago the Rana Plaza factory collapsed in Bangladesh, killing at least 1132 people and injuring over 2000 others. This served as a wakeup call to the working conditions of those who make our clothes and an international movement, Fashion Revolution Week, was born out of this tragedy. People all over the world ask questions like, "Who made my clothes?", "Who Made My Jewelry?", "Who Made My Shoes?", etc. At GOEX we are committed to transparency and fair wages.

As Fashion Revolution Week approaches April 22-29 you’ll see many ethical, transparent brands posting and sharing pictures of the amazing craftsmen and women who produce your garments, shoes and accessories.  Typically we would be right there with them – we believe in the power of this movement and link arms with others who are pushing for fair wages and ethical practices in apparel manufacturing.  However, above all this movement is about caring for makers and so this year you won’t see any of those photos.  Realistically, pictures of our makers will be absent from your inboxes and feeds for the foreseeable future.  Why? 

 Back in September our General Manager in Haiti shared about the dangers there due to political instability and gang activity.  Unfortunately, while the port is open and goods are flowing for the most part, the danger has not decreased.  In fact it’s continued to escalate.  If our employees are associated with us as an American company, it could potentially make them targets and we absolutely do not want that!  We are taking every precaution we can think of from the US to prioritize their safety.

 So why do we continue to produce in Haiti in this climate?  It’s because the need for jobs is more real than ever as the unemployment rate rises and the currency continues to devalue.  As you may recall from the letter we shared in September, coming to work “is a risk that our employees are willing to take at any cost, because "Le travail c'est la liberté." This is a saying in French that means, ‘Work is Freedom.’”  As other employers pulled out of Haiti we doubled down on our trust of the team to make good decisions and in our desire to care for our team and their families through the dignity of work.  We added a social worker to our team to invest in their emotional health and we continue to provide lunch each day. 

 And so, when you next put on a GOEX tee, we hope you’ll think of the hands that touched it and take a minute to pray for their safety and for Haiti.  The need has never been greater than it is today.

 As always, thank you to the entire GOEX family for your support!