Polartec workers and their supporters are urging Patagonia, a long-time partner of Polartec, to acquire the textile company and maintain its operation in Lawrence, MA. The factory is one of the few surviving mills with a direct connection to the early 20^th century textile industry and the Bread and Roses strike of 1912.

In a letter to Patagonia's CEO, Rose Marcario, a coalition of allies and experts has joined workers in asking Patagonia to take ownership of Polartec.

“By stepping in to help keep Polartec in Lawrence, Patagonia has a chance not only to secure the environmental and quality standards of one of the most significant products in its supply chain, but to save hundreds of good union jobs and, with them, a living piece of American labour history,” the letter says.

Negative effects of closure

Patagonia and Polartec have had an ongoing relationship for decades. Together, they jointly developed synthetic fleece, which Patagonia was the first to introduce to the outdoor sportswear market. They also developed premium fleece from recycled content and from post-consumer plastic bottles. This long-standing relationship has assisted Patagonia in becoming a leader in performance clothing.

Polartec recently issued a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining) notice concerning its plan to close down its mill in Lawrence. This decision will adversely affect hundreds of mostly immigrant, unionized workers with an average of 18 years’ experience, as well as their families, the letter states.

The negative effects of a closing would reverberate throughout Lawrence, which is two-thirds Latino and one of the poorest cities in New England (with 33% of incomes under the poverty line). By purchasing the company, experts believe that Patagonia would secure environmental and quality standards and help preserve 350 good jobs.

New ownership

“These are some of the most experienced textile workers in the country, in a factory that was built for a very high level of innovation and quality,” said Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera. “Although Polartec's private equity owners have refused to discuss their options with us, we would welcome the opportunity to work with Patagonia to ensure that this factory can continue to operate under new ownership and remain in Lawrence.”

“Patagonia has said that companies should be held accountable for the impact of their decisions on employees, communities, and the environment,” commented Robert Forrant, Professor at the University of Massachusetts, at Lowell.

“Here is an amazing opportunity for Patagonia to demonstrate that commitment with Polartec, a company with which it is already deeply connected.”

Further reading

Letter to Patagonia

www.patagonia.com

www.polartec.com