Coop Ignores Labor Union's Pants Boycott

The Harvard Coop is the only men's store in Cambridge to continue stocking Farah jeans in spite of a nationwide boycott.

The Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America are boycotting Farah to protest the firing of 3000 Chicano workers sympathetic to the establishment of a union at Farah plants in Texas and New Mexico.

Several of the 13 men's stores in Cambridge have previously hold the pants, but have refused to stock Farah since the strike and boycott began approximately four months ago.

Sanford Litwin, general merchandise manager of the Coop, said yesterday that about 50 per cent of the Coop's pant sales are in Farah products. He refused, however, to divulge the dollar volume of sales. Litwin said that he had been contacted by several union representatives.

Labor officials allege that Farah is disregarding a Federal injunction against the firings, and that it is harassing Chicano strikers with armed guards with unmuzzled police dogs.

Farah management secured a court order four months ago that required pickets to remain 50 feet apart. Over 700 employees have been arrested, ostensibly for violating this order. The alleged violations are a misdemeanor and are reported to carry a usual bail of $25. However, $400 has been the bail imposed on each arrested worker.

The clothing workers boycott has been joined by a Citizens Committee for Justice for Farah Workers, chaired by Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-Wis.). Included among the group's membership are Senator Birch Bayh (D-Ind.). Senator Edward M. Kennedy '54, (D-Mass.). Cesar Chavez, Representative Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.), New York Mayor John V. Lindsay and Morris B. Abrams, former president of Brandeis College.

Emily Penzell, coordinator of the committee, said yesterday that Farah sales have dropped 43 per cent nationwide since the beginning of the strike.