An open appeal has been issued by watchdog organizations for an end to
alleged labour rights violations at two garment factories in Bangalore,
India.
Fibres and Fabrics International and its subsidiary Jeans Knit Pvt are
accused forcing employees to meet production targets through unpaid
overtime and firing them without warning if they are dissatisfied with
work rates. Workers report a lack of letters of employment, creches,
rest rooms, canteens, identity cards and proper safety measures.
The Dutch Clean Clothes Campaign and the India Committee of the
Netherlands complain that instead of discussing improvements in working
conditions the two companies have tried to block the spread of
information with a gagging court order.
The two factories produce goods for the Dutch label G-Star and are
reported to supply US brands Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Ann Taylor and
others. These clothing companies have been sent reports protesting at
conditions at the two factories.
The Clean Clothes Campaign says G-Star has implied it could solve the
problem by withdrawing orders. However, the organization believes
companies should instead work with the factory owners and management to
remedy the abuses. It says Tommy Hilfiger, Guess and Ann Taylor have
not responded.
It admits the factories have introduced some changes, including the
abolition of unpaid overtime, but says more basic reforms are needed.
Its demands include a withdrawal of the gagging action, meetings
between the management, unions and other stakeholders to remedy alleged
violations, a complaints mechanism and freedom of association.
