We spent some time at the Alta Gracia factory interviewing the workers and what this job means to them, their families and their community.
Julio Cesar Sanchez
I hope . . .there is not just one Alta Gracia factory but that there are hundreds of factories like Alta Gracia in the future. . .
I am in charge of training to make sure that each person is trained at their sewing operation. I love working at Alta Gracia for several reasons. The first reason is that when you work in a factory that respects the rights of all of the employees, everything is better. I have realized that also when you work with a union everything is different because all the workers really feel like they are a part of the factory and that the factory belongs to them. Because we can count on a living wage, my family can enjoy a better life. While working at Alta Gracia I had my second child and with a living wage it has been much better for my family. I hope that our prayers are answered and that there is not just one Alta Gracia factory but that there are hundreds of factories like Alta Gracia in the future so that my country can have a brighter future.
Mariza Vargas
These clothes have changed my family's life. I hope you enjoy wearing them.
I live in Villa Altagracia. Me and my coworkers are working in a factory where we make Alta Gracia products. Alta Gracia is great for me and my family because it gives us the chance for a better education — even for me to go back to school! We’ve organized a union, have a living wage and fair conditions — so we have a better life. It’s a huge contribution to our community which has suffered so much from unemployment and poverty. Thank you for buying from Alta Gracia because each garment is a contribution to dignity for our community.
Yolanda Simon
With every purchase, you are supporting a better life for our community.
I live in Villa Altagracia which the company is named after. Every time you buy a garment from our factory, you don’t just support us, but our whole families. For my family this job means so much for us. First of all it will enable my kids to have a better education. Also I can take care of and give back to my mother who gave so much to me. With a living wage I know I can afford to go to the doctor and get medicine when my family is sick. With every purchase, you are supporting a better life for our community.
Check out the New York Times story on Alta Gracia that appeared on July 18, 2010 on the front page of the Sunday Business Section.
