Angela Duarte

Angela, aged 42, has worked at Golden Brand for nine years. She is a single mother and works to support her three children and her grandson. Angela's mother and brother also work at Golden Brand, and her father, other brothers, and sister-in-law have also worked at the factory through the years. For Angela, Golden Brand is quite literally part of her family. Angela wonders, "What will I do to support my family without this job? " She is determined to fight to keep the factory open.

Claudia Martinez

Claudia is 39 years old and has worked at Golden Brand for 20 years - more than half of her life. Born in El Salvador, Claudia came to Montreal to escape civil war in her homeland and to seek better opportunities for herself and her family. She has two children whom she supports with her job.

"It hurts to hear this news," says Claudia. "To be kicked out after giving twenty years to this company - it's very hard. An American company has come in and is doing whatever it wants to make money. Without good jobs like these, how will we take care of our children and give them the opportunities and education that we didn't have? We will do whatever we can to keep this place open."

Nelia Tavares

Nelia is 37 years old and has worked at Golden Brand as a machine operator for 16 years. She got her job at Golden Brand after she arrived in Canada from Portugal at the age of 21. Her husband also works at Golden Brand. "I like my job here and I just want to work and provide for my family. I don't know what I'll do without this job since I don't have training or education in other types of jobs. The company is forgetting about the workers who have given years of their lives to make the company strong."

Marielle Huard

Marielle has worked at Golden Brand for 8 years, and her husband, aged 60, has been working there for seven months. She moved to Montreal from the rural Gaspesie region as a young woman to find work, and has worked in the textile industry for 35 years. She likes her job and the atmosphere at Golden Brand, and feels that the management of Men's Wearhouse is more concerned about money than its own workers. "There are lots of single parents who work here, what will they do without their jobs? The company doesn't care about answering that question."

Ernst Jean

Aged 62, Ernst Jean has been working as a general labourer at Golden Brand for 12 years. He came to Montreal from Haiti to live with his wife, who is a cook, and they have three children. "It was such a sudden decision [to close the factory]," he said "I don't have any options - I will have to go on unemployment."

Lucien Princivil

Lucien, 61, came to Montreal from Haiti in 1993 in order to escape the political instability in his home country. He has been working at Golden Brand as a sewing machine operator for 13 years, and his wife also worked at Golden Brand for 6 years. They have five daughters. Lucien likes the work he does appreciates the good working conditions at Golden Brand. "This decision shows a lack of respect for the employees," said Lucien. "Surely there is a compromise that can be reached to avoid closing the factory, just as we have found in the past."

Vicky Marashlian

Vicky has been working at Golden Brand for 24 years and has been a union delegate for even longer - 30 years - since she worked at other shops before starting at Golden Brand in 1984.

VIcky immigrated to Montreal from Romania and has sponsored many of her family members to come to Canada. She makes the pockets you see on the suits you wear.

The announcement of the closure is very painful for her.

"I would give anything to support the people here. We came here as immigrants looking to make a better living and we gave so much to this company - now look what's happening."

Vicky wants to keep this factory open and is willing to fight with her brothers and sisters at Golden Brand. "If one door is closed, there is an open window elsewhere. When there is a will, there is a way!"

Manuel Fontes

Manuel has been working at Golden Brand for the last 6 years, but he has worked in the Montreal garment manufacturing industry for over 30 years.

His Portuguese roots represent one of the 21 nationalities working in this factory and he himself can carry on a conversation in at least 4 languages. Manuel is not interested in finding a job in another industry. "This industry is my background. I love the work I do."

Since the announcement of the planned closure, Manuel is motivating his brothers and sisters at Golden Brand to stay strong. "Our lives and our work should never be sacrificed for imports and greater profit. It is through our work that we gain our dignity and create our path as active citizens. I will do whatever it legally takes to keep Golden Brand Open!"